Student accommodation for private school pupils has been approved.

Rochester Independent College applied to build a 103-bedroom boarding facility in Rochester High Street as part of the town's Bardell Wharf development.

The block, which is due to include a rooftop garden, gym, cafe, study rooms and a cinema, will be within walking distance of its St Margaret's Banks site.

The project forms part of a previously-approved Wharf development, which includes 331 flats, parking and commercial space.

The new plans include partial demolition of the former Peugeot car showroom and A.F Smith and Sons' building.

Councillors approved the proposals on Wednesday at a meeting of Medway Council's planning committee.

Cllr Adrian Gulvin (Con) said: "It's bringing back buildings into good economic use again, it's lifting that area which I have to say is looking rather tired at the moment.

"It's good also to see a local business still growing – that college has been there probably about 40 years and it's grown from one or two buildings on Star Hill to a really successful contribution to Medway's education offer."

The remaining four sections of the site between the High Street and Corporation Street have been sold to a developer for mixed retail and housing.