A pigeon-infested high street building could be transformed into flats amid safety concerns.

Nesting birds have damaged the upper floors of the United Reform Church Hall in Herne Bay, which have not been used for a decade.

Now, developers hope to overhaul the dilapidated space and convert it into six flats after the church recently deemed the building “surplus to requirements”.

The 100-year-old, three-storey hall, which is linked to the church, was recently sold to developers who have drawn up proposals for the first, second and roof levels, while retaining the ground floor as a community space.

Describing the reason for the sale in official papers, church bosses say the upper floors pose “significant concern” after falling into disrepair over the past 10 years.

“(Church) leaders regrettably took the decision to sell the building as it was no longer a viable option for them and not worthwhile of investment,” they say.

It says pigeons and other nesting birds have got into the upper floors, causing damage that has led to health and safety concerns.

The few activities that operated on the ground floor, including a stamp collecting group, did not deliver enough income to make the building viable, planning documents say.

The new owners – Cain Brothers Ltd - have applied for planning permission to convert the upper floors into six self-contained flats, together with five front-roof dormers and three rear dormers, two roof lights, solar panels, replacement windows and doors together with a front balcony and associated external alterations.

Making the case for the application to be approved, agents for the applicant say: “The upper dilapidated vacant floor is to be put to a use that will be compatible with the High Street location and allow for the repair and upkeep of the current building in the Town Centre Conservation Area.

“The design of the upper floors has been carefully considered to provide much-needed, high-quality accommodation, complying with current policy.

“The intention is to initially retain the ground floor hall for potential use by local community groups….”

“The overall design has been carefully considered by the applicants to have the minimum impact on the location, but to provide a high standard of design of residential accommodation.

“It will complement the conservation area and should be supported as part of the ongoing regeneration of the town centre, along with maximising the use of an underused building.”

Although there is no parking provision, there will be a cycle store for occupants.

The applicants say the intention is to initially retain the ground floor hall for potential use by local community groups, which will be marketed accordingly.