Find local news in Kent

Home   Folkestone   News   Article

12 homes planned for ‘eyesore’ Pilgrim Spring site in Folkestone beneath Sugarloaf Hill

11:31, 22 October 2024

updated: 12:24, 22 October 2024

Twelve homes will be built on an “eyesore” patch of land where five blocks of flats once stood if new plans are approved.

Moat Homes wants to construct the “affordable” homes in Pilgrim Spring, Folkestone, in place of 44 apartments that were demolished in 2018.

Moat Housing wants to build 12 homes in Pilgrim Spring. Picture: Moat Housing/Fuse Architects
Moat Housing wants to build 12 homes in Pilgrim Spring. Picture: Moat Housing/Fuse Architects

A report found the four-storey blocks “were not fit for purpose”, citing poor heating and ventilation due to their design.

Moat Homes had initially planned to replace the blocks with a further 62 apartments for people over the age of 55.

But these plans were withdrawn in December after the company could not agree on parking provisions with Kent Highways.

The decision was also made after bus operator Stagecoach withdrew its service from Pilgrim Spring.

But now new plans submitted to Folkestone and Hythe District Council (FHDC) by Frankham Projects, on behalf of Moat Homes, show the development would be made up of four two-beds, five three-beds, two four-beds and one five-bed house.

Where the homes could be built in Pilgrim Spring
Where the homes could be built in Pilgrim Spring
The homes in Pilgrim Spring would sit at the bottom of Sugarloaf Hill. Picture: Moat Housing/Fuse Architects
The homes in Pilgrim Spring would sit at the bottom of Sugarloaf Hill. Picture: Moat Housing/Fuse Architects
Five blocks of flats previously stood in Pilgrim Spring
Five blocks of flats previously stood in Pilgrim Spring
The flats in Pilgrim Spring were demolished in 2018
The flats in Pilgrim Spring were demolished in 2018

There would be 22 parking spaces and each home would come with cycle storage facilities.

The site is located at the bottom of Sugarloaf Hill within the Kent Downs National Landscape.

Planning documents state: “The new proposals forming this application effectively start afresh and aim to redevelop the site to provide family housing in order that this vacant brownfield site can be brought back into use.

“The site is currently an eyesore within the Kent Downs National Landscape and there are ongoing concerns regarding security.

“The proposal will provide a policy-compliant level of affordable housing let at social rent levels.”

How the land currently looks in Pilgrim Spring. Picture: Google
How the land currently looks in Pilgrim Spring. Picture: Google
The land in Pilgrim Spring has been vacant since 2018. Picture: Google
The land in Pilgrim Spring has been vacant since 2018. Picture: Google
A single five-bedroom home would sit at the top of the development. Picture: Moat Housing/Fuse Architects
A single five-bedroom home would sit at the top of the development. Picture: Moat Housing/Fuse Architects
The homes would be built across two levels due to being on a slope. Picture: Moat Housing/Fuse Architects
The homes would be built across two levels due to being on a slope. Picture: Moat Housing/Fuse Architects
How the 12 homes proposed for Pilgrim Spring in Folkestone could look. Picture: Moat Housing/Fuse Architects
How the 12 homes proposed for Pilgrim Spring in Folkestone could look. Picture: Moat Housing/Fuse Architects

The 44 flats previously situated in Pilgrim Spring were constructed in the late 1960s for residential use, but were found to have a number of issues worsened by its design.

As a result, more than 100 residents who lived inside were rehomed, with the last moving out in January 2018.

Find out about planning applications that affect you by visiting the Public Notice Portal.

The blocks were knocked down nine months later and the site has been vacant ever since.

A decision on the application will be made by planning officers at FHDC.

This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies - Learn More