An ‘eyesore’ plot of redundant land has been described as an “exciting opportunity” for developers after hitting the market.
Former oil depot Ordnance Wharf, off Flood Lane, Faversham, has been derelict for more than 30 years despite several attempts at redevelopment.
The site at Faversham Creek, which has links to the town’s gunpowder-producing glory days, is now up for sale for £375,000.
Marketed by Whitstable-based W.H. Breading and Son, it has been described as “an exciting opportunity to purchase a small, but important parcel of land”.
The agents add: “A former gas works and coal yard, the site has potential for many uses (subject to planning approval and any other consents required).
“Permission has been sought in the past, with the most recent application withdrawn in 2023.”
Previously, Faversham Joinery wanted to build seven homes, a workshop, sailing club, cafe, and an office at the waterfront plot.
The controversial plans were put forward twice, once in 2020 and in 2023, but divided opinion and were withdrawn just months later both times.
The land has access to and from Flood Lane, and the site has often been touted as a key part of what could be a major project in Faversham to rejuvenate the area.
Philippa Dickenson, chair of the Faversham Creek Trust, called for any developer to bring a “creative approach” to any future applications which could benefit the community.
“The nature of the buildings which may be viable might change so it would be interesting to see how a developer takes it on,” she said.
“It would also be interesting in a good way to see something which can benefit the community while protecting the soil and water but walkways will be required which obviously reduces the area of land to develop.”
There have been aims of restoring the former worksite for the past 30 years, though planning red tape and the lack of movement with a new bridge over Faversham Creek have halted wider progress at the creek.
In 2012, hopes of a four-storey building boasting 11 homes and a rooftop garden along with space for potential commercial use were revealed but never saw the light of day.
Between 2003 and 2006, four separate attempts to build a block of flats ranging from 10 to 11 dwellings were all put in and later withdrawn.
The bid in 2020 attracted mixed reviews, with one supporter, Paul Shirlaw, saying: “The site is an ugly wasteland that could be put to a much better use and will be good for both housing and local amenity value.”
The 2023 proposal won the support of the town council, which said it “supports the principle of a mixed-use development in this location, including residential and community space”.
However, both the Faversham Society and Shepherd Neame raised concerns alongside various environmental bodies including the Environment Agency (EA).
The EA warned it would push for the project to be rejected, saying it did “not have enough information to know if the proposed development can meet our requirements for nature conservation, ecology and physical habitats”.
The authority also pointed out construction would need to take place just metres away from the creek, which is prone to flooding.
Ordnance Wharf forms part of the prospective Faversham Neighbourhood Plan, which will be voted on by residents on November 21.
It seeks to nominate 10 sites to build houses on in and around the town centre, a move which could see 219 dwellings erected in the market town by 2038.
Despite the usual backlash to housing in the area, the project generally has the support of residents and councillors as it has been viewed as a way of safeguarding the town from unsolicited applications.
