Neighbours are opposing plans to turn a former Co-op into a gym, salon and barbershop due to concerns over parking.

The convenience store, in Hever Road, West Kingsdown, has been empty since August after opening a new branch a few hundred metres away.

Proposals, put forward to Sevenoaks council, are to turn it into a multi-purpose building.

But the idea, which does not include any plans to change the existing parking, has met with opposition from nearby residents.

One said: “There is not enough parking in that area as it is.

“These units would add to this massively with those needing to stay for a longer period for gym, salon and barbers.”

The prospect of a gym has met with particular opposition over fears of an increase in noise.

“A gym underneath residential properties with music blaring out is not welcomed,” one letter said.

“These propositions are not within the best interest of the residents of West Kingsdown.”

The parish council also raised an objection over the issue of parking, complaining there is already limited parking.

It said: “The usage proposed will mean car parking is required in some cases for up to one to two hours for the gym and ladies’ hairdressing.

“Until recently there was a facility for parking for 20+ cars at the rear behind this site which has been lost due to a recent planning approval for housing.

“We have also lost three roadside spaces until midday for deliveries with no new spaces replacing them. There is limited parking in the service road in front of the shops parallel to parking on the highway limited to one hour. There are double yellow lines at each end of this facility and single yellow lines beyond.

“Parking in these two places is already at maximum at peak times.

“This development can only exacerbate the parking problem.”

It was also concerned about the noise.

It added: “The gym will no doubt have music pumped out and the noise generated by the apparatus into the early/late evening will be to the detriment of the residents nearby and in the flats above.”

Another resident also had issues with parking.

They wrote: “There are parking restrictions outside of the shops currently so does this mean that local roads may be affected with gym clients parking further afield?

The application was welcomed by some of the younger residents who liked the idea of having a gym close to home and “not having to venture out to Brands Hatch,” and more options in terms of hairdressers.

To view the application, click here.

Search for application number 23/03279/FUL.