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Plans for homes and medical centre at former St Joseph’s Convent Preparatory School, in Old Road East, Gravesend, recommended for approval

Plans to build around 50 homes and a three-storey medical centre have been recommended for approval despite receiving hundreds of objections.

Galliard (Gravesend) Ltd submitted its proposals for the former St Joseph’s Convent Preparatory School to Gravesham council last year.

Where the scheme could be built
Where the scheme could be built

A decision was due in May, however, a councillor “called in” the mixed-use scheme so it will now be discussed by members of the planning committee tomorrow (February 5).

The former fee-paying primary school closed in 2021 and has been empty ever since.

If the plans are approved, it would be converted into six flats.

The applicant also wants to demolish the outbuildings to make way for a medical centre, a block of seven apartments and 41 houses on the site in Old Road East, Gravesend.

It proposes to build a variety of two and three-bedroom terraced houses, three-bedroom detached houses plus one and two-bedroom flats each with an open plan kitchen, dining and living room “for modern living”.

If given the green light, the doctor's surgery, which would become the new home of Pelham Medical Practice, would have two waiting rooms, one interview room, 14 consulting rooms and six treatment rooms.

What the medical centre could look like. Picture: Hollaway Architects
What the medical centre could look like. Picture: Hollaway Architects
Some residents are unhappy with how tall the proposed medical centre could be. Picture: Hollaway Architects
Some residents are unhappy with how tall the proposed medical centre could be. Picture: Hollaway Architects

The applicant suggested the new medical centre would provide a “critical community service” and said there was a “significant need” for one.

Around 100 parking spaces have also been included for the entire scheme, as well as a park, landscaping, a new access for vehicles onto Old Road East and a pedestrian connection onto the site from Coombe Road.

No affordable housing has been included as, in the submitted planning documents, the developer explained it would not be financially viable.

Residents who have objected said the lack of cheaper homes was a concern, however, the applicant said the project would still help the “significant” housing need.

In their report, council officers claimed the borough has a “significant unmet need” for affordable properties with 1,000 households on the local authority’s housing register and ongoing homelessness pressures.

More than 50 residential properties would be created if the plans are approved. Picture: Hollaway Architects
More than 50 residential properties would be created if the plans are approved. Picture: Hollaway Architects
No affordable housing has currently been allocated. Picture: Hollaway Architects
No affordable housing has currently been allocated. Picture: Hollaway Architects

Galliard (Gravesend) Ltd has since agreed to either pay around £600,000 towards financial contributions instead of providing cheaper housing or pay £150,000 and create seven discount market rent units as part of the development.

Members of the planning committee are being asked to choose either option if they decide to grant planning permission.

At the time of writing, 113 objections had been lodged by people who said it would be out of character with the area, result in overdevelopment and increase traffic in the already congested area, near Echo Square.

Some even recommended the developer reduces the number but increases the size of the homes and reduces the height of the medical centre.

Four letters of support were also received, branding the development a “breath of fresh air” and providing “much-needed” housing.

The school building would be converted into six flats
The school building would be converted into six flats
New vehicular access will be created onto Old Road East
New vehicular access will be created onto Old Road East

Speaking to KentOnline last year, some residents of Old Road East welcomed the idea of a new GP surgery stating it was “desperately needed” but feared it would not come to fruition.

To see more planning applications and other public notices for your area, click here.

In their report, officers have recommended the application be given the green light as it would deliver a “significant contribution” towards the borough’s housing need, making efficient use of the land and improving the open space provision.

They added it would not result in overdevelopment or have a “detrimental impact” on the character of the area, amenities of neighbouring residents or road safety.

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