A derelict site which has seen five planning applications rejected since 1990 will now be used to build nine flats.

The block of two-bedroom apartments will be erected at the rear of Montacute Gardens in Tunbridge Wells, close to the Sainsbury's Superstore.

Located just off Linden Park Road, the site has seen five planning applications for similar dwellings rejected in the past 30 years for various reasons, including potentially harming the surrounding green infrastructure.

Prior to this, the site was part off a community garden space that over time, had fallen into disrepair.

But current developers Edbury Estates and Southstudio architects have been working closely with Tunbridge Wells Borough Council to make sure their plans respect the surroundings, especially being as the site is in a conservation area.

It is hoped the development will help transform "a site that is currently waste ground and considered an eye sore."

The plans do not include parking spaces.

Director of Southstudio, Patrick Bankhead said: "We are proud to have achieved consent on a complex site with a history of failed applications.

"We made sure we carefully understood why previous applications had failed and worked closely with Tunbridge Wells planning officers throughout.

"Given the development is in a conservation area, we have worked tirelessly to ensure the design benefits its surroundings and will be an asset to this important part of town."

Read more: All the latest news from Tunbridge Wells