A former derelict pub has been put up for sale again – but this time with a serious price drop.
The Kemsley Arms, in Ridham Avenue near Sittingbourne, initially had a hefty price tag of £1.5m.
The site closed in May 2013 and has since been labelled as an “eyesore” by nearby residents.
A planning application was then submitted to Swale council in December 2020 to turn the building into a mix of flexible retail space and a possible 20-plus apartment block with parking and landscaping.
However, three years on, in May 2023 the site was put up for sale with an asking price of £1.5 million.
The land with the additional plans had been listed by local estate agents Family Homes.
In January last year, five fire engines were sent to a blaze at the pub, which was suspected to have been arson.
One person, who lives nearby and did not wish to be named, previously told KentOnline: “Not only is the Kemsley Arms a derelict unsafe building waiting for something to go wrong, but an abandoned caravan outside the pub has also been damaged after its windows were smashed in.
“The derelict pub is no doubt full of rats and unsavoury creatures – some human at times.
“It also attracts a huge amount of unpleasant drug dealers and vandalism as well as vermin.
“Action needs to be taken as a priority to address this, Swale council needs to take ownership and action to sort this eyesore out once and for all.”
The plans were finally given the green light by the authority in June 2024.
Now, auctioneers Pattinson have listed the site with a starting bid of £900,000 – a massive reduction of £600,000 from the previous price.
The description of the property on the website states: “We are pleased to offer to auction this rare opportunity to acquire a prominent building in a popular residential area, the former public house has planning permission for 28 residential units along with a flexible retail space (A1, A3 or A4) already sold on a long lease.
“The residential aspect of this site includes the conversion of the existing public house along with an extension to form 5x 2 bedroom apartments, 14x 1 bedroom apartments and 1x studio apartment.
“The site also has permission for a new block to be built to the rear for a further 7x 2 bedroom apartments and 1x 1 bedroom apartment.
“There is appropriate parking for all units as well as landscaped communal space.”
Cllr Ashley Wise (Lab), who represents the Kemsley ward, said: “The site is an eyesore and has been a magnet for anti-social behaviour and fly-tipping, and residents have reached the point where they would welcome any progress on seeing the site developed.
“The current owners had approval for plans last year yet no works commenced, and that looks set to be the case for longer still if the site is once again up for sale.
“It’s fair to say we’ve been here several times before, so we will just have to wait and see.”
To see more planning applications and other public notices for your area, click here.
The 1,000 sq ft site is for sale via a secure online auction, which is now open for bids.
It is set to finish on Wednesday, July 30.
