Plans have been unveiled to transform the site of a former working men's club into new homes, shops – and an "edible garden".

Sevenoaks council has set out proposals to regenerate Swanley Working Men’s Club, the Bevan Place car park and neighbouring land.

After the club closed, the council bought the site in 2015 as part of its plans to regenerate the southern entrance to Swanley.

No work has taken place since but the authority now hopes to move forward with plans for new homes, shops and green open space.

The proposed development consists of 92 new flats, plus retail space on the ground floor, electric vehicle charging points and bicycle racks.

Also included in the designs are plans to plant new trees and provide a green communal area.

In a nod to the town’s heritage as a supplier of fruit and flowers to Kent and London markets, it is also proposed that the development include an "edible" garden where fruit trees and edible plants would be grown for the public to enjoy.

If permission is granted, work could begin in 2023.

Cllr Peter Fleming, leader of the council, said: “We purchased the former working men’s club because we understood what an important site it would be in the regeneration of the town and particularly as a gateway to Swanley.

“It has taken us some time to get to a stage where we had plans that are ready to share with residents and seek their views."

He added: "It shows our ambitions for Swanley, to build on the great things it already offers and improve the town for everyone.

“We are really excited about our emerging plans for the Bevan Place site and cannot wait to share them with local people and hear what they have to say.”

The latest project follows on from the council's controversial new £20m leisure centre to replace White Oak, £5.5m train station upgrade and the new work hub and apartments planned on the former ‘Meeting Point’ site opposite the former club.

The Swanley High Street site had a number of uses over many years.

During the Victorian period, it consisted of high-density housing, before becoming home to the town’s working men’s club and a small council car park in later years.

Sevenoaks council is asking residents for their opinions ahead of its plan to lodge a planning application in summer 2022.

Residents can find out more at two drop-in sessions at the Alexandra Suite, St Mary's Road, Swanley, BR8 7BU on Thursday, 4pm to 8pm and Saturday, 10am to 3pm.

They can also join a webinar on Monday, December 13 from 6.30pm to 7.30pm online here.