A former nuns’ convent has gone on the market with potential to be developed into homes.

The site in Northwood Road, Tankerton, is thought to have been built in the late 1800s.

Up until 2008, it was the Convent of Our Lady of Mercy, before dwindling numbers of sisters led to its closure.

The building was then rented to another group of nuns, who soon surrendered their lease.

It was then taken over by the Diocese of Southwark and used as a training centre for priests until 2016.

Since then, it has sat empty, but the site is now on the market for £750,000.

Estate agent Christopher Hodgson called it a “development opportunity with significant potential”.

Two planning applications were approved by Canterbury City Council, but were not finalised and have lapsed.

If the proposals were revived, the 0 flats and a detached house.

The listing adds: “It is ideally positioned on a desirable road within central Tankerton, conveniently situated within close proximity to Tankerton's charming seafront, shops and amenities on Tankerton Road, and a short walk from Whitstable station.

“The site is currently occupied by a substantial building, formerly in use as a convent, and is being sold with vacant possession.”

A bid to extend the site and turn it into 10 flats was approved, subject to a Section 106 agreement being completed in 2022, but this was never finalised.

At the time, there was a flurry of objections from neighbours, who were concerned about the impact on St Mary’s Catholic Primary School next door.

One wrote: “The increased risk to young children, arriving at or leaving school, is already exacerbated by the speed of vehicles using Northwood Road.

“The proposed development and vehicles associated with it will increase an already serious problem.”

Another application to build a detached three-storey house with an outbuilding on the site’s land was submitted in 2022.

A decision has not yet been made on those plans.