Plans for an apartment block next to a public toilet could be the catalyst for the regeneration of a long-neglected area, according to those behind the scheme.

Burgate Properties has unveiled its vision for a nine-apartment building behind Burgate, Canterbury, facing towards Canterbury Lane car park.

In papers submitted to Canterbury City Council (CCC), the developer reveals it aims to “complete” the square, calling the plans “high-quality”.

Architect and director of Clague Architects and Burgate Properties Karl Elliott told KentOnline: “This part of Canterbury is in our view in dire need of improvement.

“The site itself abuts an existing service yard, disabled parking bays and public WC and is in close proximity to the city centre and St George’s Street.

“It is an area which is greatly underutilised and forms one of many pedestrian routes between St George’s Street and Burgate.

“The proposals will provide a high-quality scheme which has been designed to create a development that will hopefully act as a catalyst for the regeneration of this important space within the city walls.”

Taking the appearance of a series of townhouses, the block would comprise two three-bed family units, a one-bed flat and five two-bed apartments.

As part of the plan, a brick building currently used as an office by staff at Clague Architects, which is housed behind the planned development at 62 Burgate, would be demolished alongside two portacabins.

The scheme is the start of what Clague and Burgate Properties hope can be a rejuvenation of the area.

Drawings submitted to the city council as part of the firm’s pre-application scheme show part of the car park being transformed into a seating area.

Mr Elliott said: “At present there are no intentions for the public WC. However, for the overall vision for the area we would see these reduced, the square changes to a market place and the properties on Canterbury Lane being replaced with buildings more fitting for the local area.”

When asked for comment regarding the planned proposals for the area, a CCC spokesperson said: "We have no plans to reduce or change the toilets or parking area."