A councillor has described as 'sacrilege' a suggestion a town's war memorial could be moved to make way for high-rise flats.

Maidstone council is exploring its vision for several sites across the town centre, which could see 1,000 new homes created.

Draft planning guidance suggests 281 of these be built near Maidstone West and Broadway, with one block rising to 15 storeys. The scheme would also include cafes, gyms and stores on ground floors of the new buildings.

The Broadway Shopping Centre, which contains Lidl and Matalan, would be demolished in the move.

Now Cllr Jonathan Purle has also revealed a possible relocation of the Maidstone War Memorial from The Broadway to Brenchley Gardens could be on the cards.

He describes Brenchley Gardens as a 'noted anti-social hotspot' adding: "In my view this would be akin to sacrilege and would really feel like twisting the knife."

In April this year Kent Police chose the gardens for a trial of a knife bar, to detect anyone walking in with potential weapons.

Cllr Purle is also concerned the density of the homes mean there will only be 125 parking spaces for the 281 units and the 14-storey block will dwarf anything currently on the riverside. The nearby Travelodge hotel only has six floors.

He also warned: "Small, cheap flats built in bulk tend to get purchased by London boroughs and their housing associations."

The guidelines suggest the council sees the Maidstone West homes being built in two to four years. There are other concerns the flats would change the character of the town.

Maidstone council is also planning homes further along the river along St Peter's Street. The guidelines have seen the figure here reduce from 925 to around 625. Cllr Purle believes more infrastructure is needed such as a footbridge over the river, a new GP surgery and primary school. He would also like to see more shops and cafes being created.

Another site being considered for homes is the Mote Road car park site. Granada House, formerly home to Gala Bingo, in Lower Stone Street could see homes and a commercial use with six storeys added, while creative space could be unveiled at Len House, in Mill Street, formerly occupied by Robins and Day Peugeot.

The housing proposals are due to be discussed by Maidstone council's Strategic Planning Committee on Tuesday, November 5. The meeting, which starts at 6.30pm, is open to the public.

Read more: All the latest news from Maidstone