Developers have demolished and rebuilt a number of vandalised homes on a long-abandoned housing estate following years of delays.

Part of the Ocean's Edge scheme in St Mary's Bay, previously known as The Sands, is nearing completion after GC Construction Ltd took over the site in February last year.

The company, based in Manchester, says 23 properties are currently available for occupation after it had to demolish and rebuild three dilapidated buildings.

Flats are now priced from £175,000 to £265,000 at the site off the A259, while houses range from £475,000 to £650,000.

Plans for the estate were first unveiled in 2016 by Stanford-based FDC Homes Ltd, but the £20m scheme was hit with multiple setbacks.

In 2023, KentOnline revealed how the unfinished buildings had become a vandalism hotspot occupied only by pigeons and rabbits.

However, GC Construction Ltd says the scheme is now “progressing well” as it has “virtually completed the initial part of phase one”.

It says six houses, 10 flats and seven affordable/shared ownership houses are currently available for occupation.

It added how another two homes are expected to be completed by the end of the summer, with five more and a separate batch of 10 redesigned seafront properties.

“The site had been badly vandalised and abused when we purchased it, although the structures of the houses were good, and building control compliant,” a spokesman said.

“Only two houses and 10 apartments had any internal fit-out works started, which we have completely removed and restarted.

“We have also demolished and rebuilt three houses which had structural issues, replaced all windows and doors on the properties, replaced the cladding - which was not fire-resistant - on the applicable houses, and also replaced the main drainage on site which had been incorrectly laid.”

But despite the fresh start, the project remains under scrutiny from neighbours.

In July last year, more than 275 residents signed a petition calling for parts of the estate to be demolished and the scheme reviewed.

Campaigner Phillip Hendley, 69, said this week he is happy with the work, but still has some concerns.

“They have been redone - I must admit the site looks nice - but obviously the gardens are tiny compared to the size of the houses,” he said.

“But I do think the whole site is a fire hazard.

“The buildings are too close together, and I think fire engines would struggle to get around the estate.

“I don't think it should have been approved by the council in the first place.”

In response, GC Construction Ltd said the houses have been built in line with the approved planning consent and in accordance with building regulations, which include fire risks.

Folkestone and Hythe District Council (FHDC) previously said there was “no route of appeal” as a “lawful planning decision” was made in 2016.

GC Construction Ltd says its team has “raised the build standard” and adapted the design of several homes to “better suit the coastal location”.

Planning permission remains in place for 84 homes in total – revised slightly from the original 85 – but just 40 are included in the current phase.

Bosses say they have “no firm date for final completion of the overall development”.

The properties were launched on the market on May 8, and some viewings have already taken place.

The site was previously home to The Sands Motel, a popular family resort damaged during the Great Storm of 1987 and later demolished.

Compass Builders Ltd took over from FDC Homes in 2018 but went into administration after repeated delays.

When KentOnline visited the site in 2023, there were no contractors on site, and the partially built homes had been left open to the elements.

GC Construction Ltd says it has invested heavily in turning the estate around and hopes to welcome the first new residents “as soon as possible”.

“We’ve worked closely with planners and invested substantially to create a unique beachside development,” the firm added.