A development of 17 flats set to fill a “great big hole” in a town centre is due to be completed next year, bosses say.

Plans for the new homes in Folkestone’s Guildhall Street were approved last spring on the site of a former tanning shop.

The developer for the site, Leo Griggs, admits “work has slowed down” over the past 12 months at the large gap which has blighted the town centre for eight years.

But he has now reassured residents that the project is continuing, with the aim to have the flats completed by March 2025.

Before its demolition in 2016, the space was home to Folkestone Toning and Tanning, which was "left in despair due to the economic situation", planning documents state.

The application for 15 flats was approved in March 2022 and work on the site has already started, with fencing and toilets being installed on the plot.

In a second proposal, submitted last year, Mr Griggs requested permission for a further two flats, taking it from 15 to 17.

This was approved by Folkestone and Hythe District Council (FHDC).

Mr Griggs told KentOnline that work is now “back underway”.

“Just like everything over the past 12 months things have been difficult and as a result, the building process did slow down,” he said.

“But work is now ongoing in Guildhall Street.

“If all goes to plan the flats will be built by this time next year.”

Two four-storey buildings are to be erected, one fronting Guildhall Street and another fronting St Eanswythe Way, containing a mix of one- and two-bed homes.

Nearby business owners hope the development will cover up the "very sad" gap in the street, as well as bringing more footfall.

Adrian Woods, who owns the Sorting Gifts shop just two doors down from the vacant land, said last year: “The empty space needs to be filled. It has been letting the street down so badly.

“It has been derelict for so long and we have been waiting for something to be done with it.

"It will be great to have it finally done."

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Mr Griggs' development company, Livingston Homes, decided to take on the project as he said the previous owner "could not get it going".

Livingston Homes is also behind the scheme to transform the Royal Victoria Hospital, in Radnor Park Avenue.