Striking artist’s impressions show how Ashford’s historic flour mill could look if plans to convert it into 53 flats are approved.

Property developer Oliver Davis has submitted his bold proposal to the borough council – six months since KentOnline revealed he had snapped up the site.

The derelict HS Pledge and Sons mill, at the bottom of East Hill, is more familiar to residents as the home of several former nightclubs, most recently Liquid and Envy.

Ashford School took over the unlisted building in 2011 but the site was sold to Mr Davis in the summer following two years of negotiating.

His company – Oliver Davis Homes – specialises in conversion projects and the 120-year-old structure is set to become its headquarters.

He plans to offer 53 flats with a mix of one and two-bed duplex units, and one and two-bed apartments and studios.

The ground floor is also set to include a residents’ lounge and working space, cafeteria and large gym.

Yesterday, the application was yet to appear on Ashford Borough Council’s planning portal.

But in a statement shared on his company’s Instagram page last week, Mr Davis said he had lodged his bid for the site, which has been empty since 2014.

“After one of the most detailed and fascinating processes, today is the day we submit planning at our landmark site, the flour mills in central Ashford,” he said.

“Over the last 18 months we have been on a true voyage of discovery, trawling back through history and learning so much about this fascinating site.

“We, along with our fantastic team of architects and consultants, have worked tirelessly to bring what we believe to be an outstanding scheme to Ashford town centre that reflects and pays homage to this iconic building’s history.

“Outside, we will be opening up public access to the River Stour, and creating a river walk with amphitheatre-style banked seating to the river and a community garden space on ‘the island’ to the rear of the mill.

“We could not be more excited to get started in 2022.”

Mr Davis, who used to visit the site when it was a club, has previously worked on projects for Folkestone and Hythe District Council and East Kent Housing.

In 2018, his company converted a former office block in Whitstable into luxury flats.

Before Mr Davis snapped up the flour mill, proposals had emerged in 2017 to turn the seven-storey building into a performing arts centre for Ashford School, complete with a 250-seat theatre and staff offices, but the scheme never got off the ground.

For an exclusive look inside the abandoned nightclub site, click here.