Plans have been submitted to demolish the old gurdwara in Gravesend and replace it with flats.

The request, by the Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara, is for the existing building to be knocked down and replaced with a five-storey block containing 16 two-bed and three one-bed flats with 19 parking spaces.

The site was previously Milton Mount Church and it backs onto William Street.

The idea for flats dates back to 2008 and was originally granted planning permission back in 2009.

Due to the recession, building work never began and permission for the scheme has now lapsed.

In paperwork sent to the council, BHD Architects, which has worked on the designs, said: “We have given careful consideration to try and find a sustainable alternative use of the Sikh temple building but because of the constraints of the building in terms of light, aspect and sheer site coverage, we have concluded that there are clear advantages in redeveloping the site.”

A decision is expected by September.