PLANS for more than 60 homes on the site of a “dangerous” former factory have been welcomed by campaigners.

The former Delfords factory site, off Main Road, in Dovercourt, has been left derelict and unused for almost ten years.

Councillors and residents in nearby Dockfield Avenue have been left to contend with vandalism, arson and mess caused by roosting seagulls in the empty buildings.

There are constant fears for the safety of children who climb the structures and residents have long called for the site to be demolished.

Councillor Jo Henderson has welcomed the new plans for the site.

She said: “I’m just hoping if permission is granted, they aren’t just going to sit on it. The sooner the site is demolished, the better for these residents .

“It is forever targeted by vandals and I am fearful for the children who see it as an adventure, not a danger, to access the site and climb it.

“I haven’t got a problem with housing, especially if they are going to be affordable. That will be nice for local people.”

Scott Properties, owners of the site, has agreed to sell the land to developer Myriad Housing, should full planning permission be granted.

The developer hopes to demolish the buildings and build a mix of 36 one and two-bedroom flats and 30 houses .

A report said: “The development site has been vacant and unused since 2008.

“A lthough the previous use was clearly employment, the council considers this site unsuitable for this use and that a residential development would be preferable.

“The proposal is, therefore , to demolish all remaining buildings on the site.