Ambitious plans have been submitted to transform a former garage into a pair of family homes, less than a year after a previous scheme was withdrawn.

The application from Atlanta Trust Ltd is for the disused River Garage site, in River, near Dover, which currently offers “little architectural merit”.

Previously, the Dartford-based firm wanted to overhaul the site in River Street into a block of six flats across three floors.

However, the application was withdrawn in May last year after more than 100 objections were lodged, with no statements in support.

Residents slammed the design as “looking like a prison”, adding that it would “ruin the village”.

Yet, some neighbours KentOnline met in the area raised no immediate objections, with some saying the old building was an “eyesore” and should be replaced.

Now the applicants say the new scheme presents “an opportunity to create two high-quality residential dwellings” with the “much reduced” plans.

The proposals will see the existing site demolished and replaced with two four-bedroom semi-detached homes.

Each will feature two car parking spaces, with EV charging points also being installed.

In the design and access statement submitted by agents West Green Planning Ltd on behalf of the applicants, it states: “The existing building is of little architectural merit and is an anomaly within the street scene.

“The redevelopment of this site presents an opportunity to create two high-quality residential dwellings, which seamlessly integrate into the existing immediate streetscape.

“The proposed development has been thoughtfully designed to respect and enhance the character of the surrounding properties and the local vernacular architecture.

“The plans have been sensitively developed to ensure it does not adversely impact neighboring properties, their occupants, or amenity.

“The proposals make more efficient use of the land by transforming the site into a pair of well-designed, four-bedroom semi-detached homes.”

Currently no comments in support or opposition of the scheme have been registered on Dover District Council’s (DDC) planning portal.

Find out about planning applications that affect you by visiting the Public Notice Portal

The current site was built around 1940 as a pair of lock-up garages and previously saw an application for a similar scheme approved in 2011.

However, this never came to light, with the plot instead later converted to use as an artist's studio.

The artist studio use continued between 2018 and early 2022 when rental income ceased, and the tenant vacated in early 2023.

DDC is expected to make a decision on the plans later this year.