It is has long been one of Canterbury's least attractive buildings - even more so if you were obliged to visit the site when it was home to the Inland Revenue.

But plans have now been revealed to transform Charter House in St George's Place into 34 flats for the rental market.

The developer behind the scheme to regenerate the redundant 1960s office block is Ollie Davis, who believes it will help meet the demand for such homes in the city.

His scheme will result in an £8.5 million development in a prime location for tenants to access the city centre shops and facilities and transport links.

But Mr Davis faces the same delays in bringing the flats to market as other developers, as the issue of water pollution at the Stodmarsh lakes remains unresolved.

Permission for the conversion of the building from office to residential use was granted by the city council under the permitted rights process.

It will be transformed into 18 one-bed flats, 15 two-bed and a studio flat, with 24 parking spaces, electric vehicle charging points and secure storage for 40 bicycles.

"We have worked very closely with the city council and are currently stripping the building out, but have to work with the existing shell," said Mr Davis.

"But it will have a new, far more contemporary facade, with Juliet balconies and communal rooftop terraces to make the most of the views."

Prior to being acquired by Oliver Davis Homes, the building had been marketed as office accommodation with little interest, so has stood empty for almost three years.

Mr Davis says his firm will continue to own the building once the new flats are occupied, with an on-site manager in place.

"We can't say precisely what rents will be yet because of the Stodmarsh issue, which could still delay them coming to market for some time," he said.

"When we are able to start, the build should take us about eight months, but until then we just have to wait for a solution. But they will be high-spec and priced at the market rate at the time.

"We think the location so close to all the city's amenities and transport links makes the homes an ideal location for renters, especially those who don't drive."