Construction has started on a block of flats replacing a former Post Office.

The store relocated from Hythe Street in Dartford to WHSmith in the High Street in 2019 following a public consultation.

When plans to shut the branch were announced, almost 1,000 people signed a petition in a bid to save it.

Former MP Gareth Johnson also raised concerns about the plans.

One person described it as "another nail in the coffin for Dartford" and the building has been left vacant ever since.

Now, construction has begun at the former branch – with the refurbishment including 14 “residential units” and 21 flats.

Plans were submitted at the end of last year for “external improvements and alterations” to the site at 11-27 Hythe Street.

They were approved on Friday (March 7).

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

Works are ongoing to remove existing cladding and glazing, lay new brickwork and glaze the front doors for the residential entrance.

It’s estimated they will take around 8-9 months to complete.