RESIDENTS of a seaside town say it’s being ruined by an “eyesore” £20million newbuild estate.
Angry locals said the crumbling housing estate in The Sands, Kent, is a dumping ground full of pigeons and rabbits.
SWNSThe council approved plans to build 59 houses and 26 apartments in 2016[/caption]
SWNSBut resident Mark Jones said the site has been left abandoned ever since[/caption]
Folkestone and Hythe District Council approved FDC Homes‘ plans to build 59 houses and 26 apartments in 2016.
The half-built seafront development in St Mary’s Bay on Romney Marsh was supposed to welcome its first residents four years ago.
But the £20 million property is now a ghost estate surrounded by a destroyed fencing, broken windows and overgrown grass.
He said: “We used to have security guards living in static caravans to stop people entering the site, but since work stopped anyone can wander on there.
“Loads of people have been fly-tipping. I think it’s a disgrace.”
Contractors abandoned the 85 homes in Dymchurch Road after a national shortage of plasterboard delayed the launch.
Neighbours said works continued on the site but came to a halt in early 2022 – with building materials hanging around the plot.
Compass Builders Ltd then fell into administration earlier this year and the development was left in ruins ever since.
Fed-up locals said rabbits are now bouncing around the properties and hundreds of pigeons lurking in the neglected premises.
Bob Thomson, who lives a few doors down from the estate, said the building used to have security guards to avoid intruders.
Mark Jones, who lives opposite the estate in Jesson Close, said he even has to put the blinkers on to avoid looking at the wasted ground.
The distressed man fumed: “My main issue is I don’t know where we go from here. How long are we going to have to sit with this?”
Residents are now begging the council to demolish the building.
John Underwood, who lives in nearby Jefferstone Lane, said: “It’s a disgrace – I’ve only lived here for a year, but it has been like that the whole time I’ve been here.
“It needs to be knocked down for something for the community.
“We have not been updated or told anything, so we have all just been going off rumours.”
Residents living close by said they hear an occasional warning message played through some speakers when people enter the estate.
But claimed the police never turns up to investigate.
Cllr Tony Cooper said he is “strongly advising” people to stay away from the site and call the police if they see anyone in the estate.
Mr Cooper added the council is unable to restart building works as it “has no money to sort the problem out”.
A statement released by FDC Homes said new plans will be submitted for the site – but there’s no official date.
A spokesman said: “This site at St Mary’s Bay is currently in the hands of the official receiver.
“The council is aware of a potential planning application coming forward for the site but at this stage, no formal application has been submitted.”
It comes as locals living in a seaside town voted one of the UK’s most beautiful revealed a major downside.
The coastal resort of Eastbourne in Sussex boasts picturesque beaches and is just 90 minutes from London – perfect for tourists and day-trippers looking to escape the buzz of city life.
SWNSResidents said they witness people trespassing the estate but no police turns up[/caption]
SWNSThe land has remained empty for more than seven years[/caption] Published: [#item_custom_pubDate]
