A bid to transform a dilapidated farm into a 15-home estate would spruce up an eyesore that blights a busy route, councillors say.

It has been revealed that developer Kitewood is hoping to construct the properties at Blacksole Farm, off Margate Road in Herne Bay.

The firm, which owns the site, says it will retain the former house and barn that sit either side of the footpath leading to the Albert Friday Bridge.

Beltinge councillor Ian Stockley says the buildings have become magnets for vandals and squatters over the last decade.

“It’s an eyesore. It’s in need of tidying up,” the Conservative said.

“It’s one of those visions you see driving out of Herne Bay, and it’s something that a number of residents have complained to me repeatedly about over the years.”

A notice on Kitewood’s website says the company intends to “redevelop the site for residential use to create a total of 15 homes”.

The plot has also been put forward for inclusion in Canterbury City Council’s revised Local Plan, which will act as the district’s housing blueprint until 2040.

This comes as KentOnline understands Kitewood is in discussions with Kent County Council (KCC) to install a pedestrian crossing in Margate Road, linking the pavement to Blacksole Bridge.

Families walking to and from the Talmead Estate currently have to cross the route at a blind bend to get to the overpass, which leads them into town.

Residents have inundated councillors with complaints about the route, with one saying “you take your life in your hands when you step into the road, hoping no car emerges round the corner”.

County councillor Dan Watkins (Con) explained: “Approaching the bridge on foot from Mill Lane is fraught with danger, as there is no visibility at all of cars driving south.

“I’ve been working through Kent County Council officers to essentially buy a strip of land from Kitewood.

“We’re trying to put a crossing point in, and then a pathway connecting up to the bridge.

“I reckon some people from Talmead are driving to Herne Bay instead of walking just because it’s the only way to be safe.”

Cllr Watkins expects work to begin on the crossing next year, as KCC awaits confirmation that the strip of land has been transferred into its possession.

Officials have also revealed that the developer could build a new roundabout on the other side of the overpass, between Reculver Road and Mickelburgh Hill.

It would be added to the junction as part of measures to mitigate against the expected increase in traffic created by its plans to build 180 homes at Hillborough.

A KCC spokesman confirmed: "We are committed to extending the pavement on Margate Road south of Blacksole Bridge and discussions are under way with a nearby landowner.

“Separately, a mini-roundabout at the junction of Mickleburgh Hill and Reculver Road, along with additional crossings and a 20mph speed limit for Reculver Road, are planned as part of the approved Kitewood application.”