From abandoned pubs, to derelict hotels, and the rubble and ruins of where unsightly buildings once stood tall, Kent has its fair share of eyesores – or what’s left of them.

We previously looked at what’s next for some of the county’s biggest ghost sites. Now we’ve set out the plans for more of those near you...

Papermakers Pub, Dartford

Ever since the village boozer shut its doors in April 2022, it has sat empty. It has since had its basement flooded, roof tiles falling, and a nearly caved-in ceiling.

But now, plans for the abandoned building could see it transformed into a luxury car showroom.

It comes after the once family-run pub was sold to a local business looking to expand its portfolio – the asking price had been £800,000.

In an application to the council, SBT Estates says it will restore the interior while giving the exterior, including windows and doors, a more modern look.

It would also add more parking provisions, bringing the number of spaces up to 32 from its current capacity of 13.

If the conversion is approved, the showroom will also create six full-time jobs and four part-time positions.

Arethusa Venture Centre, Rochester

The former sports and activity hub in Lower Upnor had been run by charity Shaftesbury Young People and closed in 2019.

The 2.1-acre site boasted grass pitches, a swimming pool, an indoor community hall and dormitories for overnight stays.

The Duke of Edinburgh and the Queen Mother had both included the centre on their itineraries when visiting Medway.

Built in 1935, in recent years it was used by schools offering climbing, kayaking, sailing and paddle boarding.

But now, plans have been put forward to demolish it and turn it into apartment blocks, consisting of 12 one-bedroom flats, 17 two-bedroom flats and two three-bedroom flats.

The application also features landscaping, car parking provision and seating areas.

A date has not yet been given for a decision on whether the developer’s scheme will go-ahead.

Natwest, Ramsgate

The high street bank shut this branch in August last year.

The closure came after it emerged just 13 customers used it on a weekly basis during 2023.

Now, the Grade II-listed building, which is three storeys high, could be converted into six flats under a scheme lodged by architect Marc Turnie.

Under the plans, the 174 sq m building would be an equal split of one-bedroom and three-bedroom apartments.

All would be designed “for modern living” and would feature built-in wardrobe storage and plenty of daylight.

As of last week (May 22), the proposal has been given the go-ahead.

Springfield Library, Maidstone

The 16-storey library had once towered over Ringlestone but later became an eyesore for residents.

Built in 1966, it had been vacant for years after previously being used as a library and offices for Kent County Council.

It sat empty for years until 2022, when it was finally torn down with cranes plucking away at the building bit by bit.

But, earlier this year, plans were finally approved to build two large blocks of flats on the former site.

The buildings, separated by a public concourse, will be one of two, four and five storeys, and the other of six, eight and 10 storeys.

Between them, there will be a total of 103 one, two and three-bedroom apartments, all with balconies.

There are also set to be 68 parking spaces justified on the fact that it is within walking distance of Maidstone East Station and the town centre. There would be 142 spaces for bikes.

Green Man Pub, Hodsoll Street

The village pub shut its doors in 2021 after being struck by lightning and burning down.

Five fire engines were called to the 130-year-old building ablaze, but the damage caused by it was irreparable.

It was demolished just weeks later, and the site has since sat as a derelict eyesore.

Earlier this year, an application was put forward to Sevenoaks council to construct a replacement for the pub.

In May, the proposal had received 101 letters of support and just four objections from community members.

Now, the boozer, which will feature a different design and room for B&B-style accommodation, has officially been given the green light and is awaiting funding and further details to advance the scheme.

St John Fisher's School, Chatham

The building formed one of two campuses for the school and was put on the market in 2023.

It came after pupils relocated to a brand new £40 million single-site in City Way, Rochester in February 2022.

Over the years, it has been subject to a number of arson attacks.

Earlier this week, KentOnline spotted at least half a dozen yobs at the scene smashing windows and hurling obscenities.

But, despite being a target for anti-social behaviour, plans are in place to turn it 139 one, three and four-bedroom homes.

The former school would be demolished to make way for 77 houses and 62 apartments across the 2.4-hectare plot.

The development would also feature a total of 70 car parking and 282 cycling spaces.

As of May 6, the plans have been given the go-ahead.

Winter Gardens, Margate

The Grade II-listed multi-use leisure and entertainment venue closed in 2022 and has been shuttered since.

It has a capacity for 2,000 people and at its height, hosted shows and live music, including acts from The Beatles and Laurel and Hardy.

But, finally, after three years, the ageing theatre could be brought back to life.

It comes after Thanet council identified a partner in Westwood One Theatre, which previously renovated the Granville Theatre in Ramsgate.

They are set to carry out the refurbishment of Winter Gardens by turning it into a "sustainable and profitable multi-use space", with a rooftop bar, a drama school, learning centre and a nursery.

Garden Hotel, Faversham

The hotel at Boughton had once been a popular wedding venue but has sat derelict after closing its doors in 2005.

The site and land was sold in April 2018 to Altimat Property Ltd.

After two decades, the Grade II listed building could finally be given a new lease of life, with it being converted into three four-bedroom houses.

Under plans lodged to Swale council, a further 16 houses would also be erected on the site.

Of these, twelve would be a mixture of two, three, four and one five-bed homes.

The remaining four would be two-bedroom flats.

Under the application, a further seven car parking spaces would also be created, four of which would be for visitors, to add to the existing 30.

A decision on whether the proposal will be approved or rejected is yet to be made.

Peacock Pub, Gravesend

After permanently closing, the boozer on the junction of St Andrew’s Road and Peacock Street had been on the market since 2020.

But last year it was finally sold to Gravesend-based charity Al-Haqq Academy.

Plans to turn it into a mosque were refused last year, but now a new application has been submitted, which claims to address the previous reasons for refusal, including concerns for opening times.

Under the new scheme, the ground floor would be converted into a masjid (mosque) for around 65 worshippers and a madrasa (Islamic school) for 30 children.

Currently, it has 245 comments from the public in support of the proposal and 61 objections.

A decision on the plans is expected later this month.