A decision on plans to convert the former Gravesend and North Kent Hospital into flats has been deferred by Gravesham council.

The council's planning committee met last night to discuss an application to turn the former maternity unit in Bath Street, Gravesend, known as M-Block, into 81 homes and build a new adjoining block containing 34 homes.

A 90 minute debate brought supportive comments from Pelham ward councillors Brian Sangha, Baljit Hayre and Jenny Wallace - reflecting widely held opinion that the building, which has remained empty since 2006, should be brought back to life.

But approval was deferred for officers to obtain further information on elements relating to affordable housing, noise issues, heritage, and the proximity of the development to neighbouring properties.

The motion to defer was moved by Cllr Steve Thompson, seconded by Cllr Jordan Meade and passed unanimously.

If approved the development would include a new 11-storey tower extension on the existing M-Block site, while a new "L-Block" would consist of an L-shaped building varying between three and six storeys in height running along Stuart Road and Clifton Road.

A report put before Gravesham's planning committee said the development would provide 115 homes consisting of 46 one-bed units, 60 two-bed units and nine three-bed units, together with parking for 77 cars, two motorcycles and 174 bicycles, plus amenity space, private gymnasium and waste disposal area.

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