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Land that has been derelict for decades is finally due to be redeveloped with much-needed homes.
The 77 dwellings, which already have planning permission along with businesses, will be located at the former brickworks at Biggins Wood, Folkestone.
Folkestone and Hythe District Council has now sold the 10-acre plot off Biggins Wood Road to developers to deliver the approved scheme, with work due to begin next month.
Wickhambreaux Developments Ltd will build 5,600 sqm of commercial units while Orbit Homes, partnering with Chartway, will build the 77 new homes for social rent and shared ownership.
With the support of a central government grant, remediation work was undertaken to make the site ready.
The council bought the site for £1.5m in 2016 after a developer in the private sector failed to come forward despite plans being approved in 2014.
After carrying out the remediation work, FHDC initially planned to construct the homes itself alongside a building contractor.
But in July, councillors agreed to sell the land after it was decided it was no longer affordable for the authority to push ahead with developing the site.
The sale price of the land has not been disclosed.
When complete, the new homes will be all-electric and designed to minimise their environmental impact.
The development will also include public open spaces across the site.
The social rented homes will be made available for local people on the council housing list. No tenancy applications for the new homes are currently being taken.
Council leader Cllr Jim Martin (Green) said: “This scheme will benefit residents in many ways – 77 new affordable homes, new jobs and opportunities, and a capital receipt which will help fund other important projects being undertaken by the council.”
Oliver Jolley, group chief development officer at Chartway, added: “We are delighted to be working with Orbit Homes to deliver this much-needed development in Folkestone.”
Brian Nearney, regional managing director at Orbit Homes, said: “Our partnership with Chartway represents a shared commitment to developing sustainably.
“This development will provide homes in a mix of tenures and we’re proud to be working with the local authority to support the local housing need.”