Plans to demolish a petrol station to make way for flats are set for approval.

Medway Council planners say a scheme to close the Shell garage on the corner of Cuxton Road and London Road, Strood, should be allowed.

The plans put forward by Park Garage Group PLC also includes the redevelopment of seven railway arches into commercial space.

A five-storey block of 48 flats surrounding a private garden could feature on the site close to the town's High Street.

Further space for businesses could be built into the block's ground level.

Under the proposals, 12 of the flats would be affordable and there would be 19 parking spaces which would be accessed off Cuxton Road.

The site currently also includes a car sales forecourt, a tyre shop, and a car wash.

Residents sent letters 12 objection to the plans, detailing their concerns about how the development could worsen parking issues in the area, and how the buildings design is too high and not in keeping.

There were also concerns about the impact on nearby listed buildings; the Crispin and Crispianus pub – which was once frequented by Charles Dickens – is opposite, and there are two other neighbouring buildings which are also Grade II listed.

Medway Council's planning department have recommended the developer spends more than £247,000 on contributions to services including schools, doctor's surgeries, the Great Lines Heritage park, and Strood Library.

It has also asked if more than £120,000 of this can be spent on developing outdoor sports facilities and allotments.

Councillors will debate the plans on Wednesday (June 1) at a meeting of the planning committee.