Plans to build a three-storey block of flats on a former builders’ yard could finally come to fruition as the council eyes up the land.

The site in Lower Range Road, Gravesend, is owned by Gravesend Churches Housing Association (GCHA) which has approval to build 14 two-bedroom apartments.

However, due to a change in its “budgetary priorities” as it concentrates on its existing stock, it can no longer develop the brownfield site.

GCHA, which offers affordable housing, has since approached Gravesham council about buying the former builders’ yard.

Council officers are now seeking approval from cabinet members to purchase the site for £525,000.

It will be discussed at a meeting on Monday (September 9) and, if granted, the local authority will also pay an additional £41,193.19 to reimburse two section 106 payments - money paid by developers towards infrastructure, such as roads, parking and public amenities - GCHA has already paid.

This is so the sale can be approved by the housing association in line with its loan covenants.

In the cabinet meeting report, officers stated that as the vacant yard has planning permission which will benefit the council it seemed a “fair approach”.

If it goes ahead with buying the land, the local authority will then go out to tender to find a contractor to build the block of social rent flats.

The report added the current construction works are estimated to cost £3.4 million with the total scheme, including the build and fees, totalling £4,660,680.

It will be funded by both retained right-to-buy receipts and loan finances, but Homes England funding is also being sought.

Permission was granted by council officers to build the block of flats in 2020 as it would make a “valuable housing contribution” to the borough.

Each unit would include a living room, a kitchen, a bathroom and a utility space with some having private garden spaces.

There will also be 14 car parking spaces and 14 for cycles.

To see more planning applications and other public notices for your area, click here.

GCHA carried out initial surface water drainage works in February 2022 to keep the planning consent in place and has also cleared and put hoardings up around the site.

In its original design and access statement it stated the land had been vacant for some time.

It added it was in “poor condition” with “burnt-out buildings and fly-tipping despite measures taken to secure it”.