Developers say they have “vastly improved” plans to build a block of flats on a derelict car wash – despite the original bid being snubbed last year.

The “awful looking” site in Northdown Road, Cliftonville could be set for 20 apartments and a ground floor commercial unit if ANG Construction Ltd can convince Thanet District Council (TDC) it can improve the previously rejected scheme.

It comes after planning officers refused similar proposals in October last year – after slating the amount of one-bedroom flats and the “unacceptable” size of some of the homes in Margate.

However, as part of the rehashed plans, the development firm says it has taken steps to address the issues in a bid to finally get the project off the ground.

Papers submitted to TDC on behalf of ANG Construction bosses said: “This proposal represents an opportunity to develop an existing large, under-used and untidy space within a highly important location and position.

“The owner proposes to resurrect the previous idea to develop this site with 20 no. apartments, albeit with a vastly improved scheme that has addressed the reasons for [the] refusal of the previous scheme.

“There is great demand for residential dwellings within this particular area and indeed the district, and this existing space seems a complete waste in its current form.

“The applicant is not looking to cut any corners with the proposed works.”

They add the dilapidated site at the moment has a “negative impact” on the area and adds nothing “to the vitality or viability” of Cliftonville.

The development would consist of 17 two-bed and three three-bed flats and would be a four-storey-tall, L-shaped block with a rear garden and room for retail units on the ground floor.

The previous scheme had proposed a five-storey building made up of 13 one-bed and seven two-bed homes, also with commercial space on the ground floor.

However, previous concerns over parking haven’t been addressed with no spaces planned for the potential residents – though 24 cycle spaces will be available.

Explaining the move, the developer said: “There is no available space on-site to provide any off-street parking for the proposed occupants, but as previously highlighted, the location of the application site is within walking distance of the town centre.”

It comes after one councillor said he and his colleagues would “love to see the patch of land developed” as it has been a hotspot for fly-tipping in the “up-and-coming” area.

Councillor for the ward Alan Currie told KentOnline last year the former car wash – which is on the corner with Athelstan Road – is often used by fly-tippers.

The Labour representative explained: “I know local people would like to see that spot developed, It’s been empty for a long time and a lot of people would consider it an eyesore.

“It’s been a problem with fly-tipping, so aesthetically it looks pretty awful for businesses and people living in the area.

“But it has to be the right sort of building which is an asset to the road and the community.

“As councillors, we would love to see it developed sympathetically.”

Cllr Currie added that Northdown Road is an up-and-coming area, partly due to Cliftonville being voted the UK’s trendiest town in 2022.

The site was once a petrol station but has been a hand car wash and service garage more recently.

It has been abandoned for at least two years and targeted by vandals as well as fly-tippers.