An unsightly and derelict former pub said to attract squatters and drug users could finally be turning into flats a decade after it was closed.

The Kemsley Arms, in Kemsley near Sittingbourne, closed in May 2013 and has been labelled as an eyesore ever since by those living nearby.

One resident, who lives behind the notorious building and did not wish to be named, said: “Not only is the Kemsley Arms a derelict unsafe building waiting for something to go wrong, but an abandoned caravan outside the pub has also been damaged after its windows were smashed in.

“The derelict pub is no doubt full of rats and unsavoury creatures – some human at times.

“It also attracts a huge amount of unpleasant drug dealers and vandalism as well as vermin.

“Action needs to be taken as a priority to address this, Swale borough council needs to take ownership and action to sort this eyesore out once and for all.”

In October last year, it was revealed plans to turn the old watering hole into flats were likely to be refused by the council despite calls for its conversion.

However, eight months on Cllr Mike Dendor (Con), who is standing for re-election, believes the application to turn the building into a mix of flexible retail space and a possible 20-plus apartments, is close to being approved.

He said: “In the last two months, the application has been handed between three people.

“I understand people’s concerns and I believe an enforcement is in place to get rid of the vehicles and caravan on the land outside the Kemsley Arms, especially as the caravan recently had its windows smashed and became even more of an eyesore.

“I am in talks with the council to see if an enforcement order is in place to remove this.”

Swale council has confirmed if there is an enforcement on the caravan it will be by Kent County Council as it is on highways land.

A council spokesman said: “We have been working with the applicant on this for some time, but we have had challenges with resources which has led to delays. We do expect a decision will be made in the near future.”

The Kemsley Arms, which is in Ridham Avenue, served its last pint 10 years ago this month. It then became an Indian restaurant which also closed.

For further details on the application enter 20/503636/FULL into the Swale Borough Co

The resident who lives nearby continued: “The person who has put in the application owns the pub and has tried to do something about it.

“But because it looks the way it does the area has been used as a dump for scrap vehicles, squatters, and drug users and no-one does anything.

“Police say it's the council and then we get no answers. We’re fed up with seeing it, it’s a state

“If it were burned to the ground it would look better. It hits you when you drive up that road.

“The annoyance is that no-one has taken ownership of it.”