A former Rochester church may be turned into a block of flats if plans are given the go ahead.

A developer wants demolish the former Life of Connection Centre, the church arm of the Incorruptible Word Ministries in Rochester High Street, and build 21 apartments.

The current building would be torn down and, if given the green light, the developer would build eight two-bed and 13 one-bedroom flats in its place.

Plans include a basement car park with 21 bays, 22 bicycle spaces and six disabled parking bays.

The flats’ entrance would be gated and only operated by residents. If approved there would also be two other pedestrian entrances and the ground floor flats would have small private courtyards and metal railings which join a public footpath.

In the application, bhd Architects wrote: “We believe that the removal of the unsightly existing buildings that are totally out of character and scale with the proportions of the buildings in the High Street, and the introduction of new buildings that fully respect the size and proportions of these buildings, will considerably enhance the character and appearance of the conservation area as well as providing a long term sustainable use which contributes to the current housing demand.”