A major redevelopment scheme could press ahead if backed by councillors during a crunch meeting this week.

Up to 17 apartments and a 247m2 business hub could be created in Swanley town centre as part of plans to convert a disused meeting room in the High Street into a three-storey complex.

The revamp proposal was submitted five months ago to Sevenoaks council and has been supported by local members and the town council.

Steve Nash, the chief executive officer at Swanley Town Council, said: "The building is unused and the hub will be able to support businesses in the town centre, so we support the application in that respect."

However, anxious residents have raised concerns over extra traffic disrupting the busy town centre and insufficient parking spaces for residents.

Nine spots will be based at the back of the Age Concern building, accessed via Park Road. Of these, four would be used by businesses and five for flat owners, with several electric charging points provided.

Sevenoaks council bosses are anticipating that most householders would rely on public transport, commuting via buses and trains from Swanley station.

But Mr Nash added: "The only concern we have is around parking, which we deem insufficient for residents."

Three letters of support were sent to the local planning authority compared to five objection letters. Supporters said they liked the modern design and applauded the intention of the authority to improve the council's asset.

If approved, the business hub would operate from 7am to 9pm on Mondays to Saturdays and between 10am and 5pm on Sundays.

No affordable homes would be provided among the 17 apartments, which would include a mix of one or two bedrooms rather than family rooms.

The scheme, spearhearded by Sevenoks council, was unveiled publicly alongside CGI images of the proposed business hub in January.

At the time, Sevenoaks council leader Peter Fleming (Con) said he was "excited" about the project, adding: "We are proposing to use a modern, high quality design that would set the standard for new development in Swanley.

"The council believes this development will help kick-start the regeneration of this important gateway to the town.”

A final decision will be made by the local authority's planning committee on Thursday. This will be broadcast on Sevenoaks council's YouTube channel from 3pm.

Read more: All the latest news from Swanley