A fire-hit church that closed more than 20 years ago is set for a "phoenix-like rebirth" as new flats, developers say.

Reworked proposals have been submitted for the former St Columba United Reformed Church in Dover High Street which was damaged in a blaze in 2007.

But worried residents have raised concerns over the plan, which is set to see the site converted into 16 flats, as they believe parking could become a problem.

The church was originally built in 1904 but closed in 2003 - four years before it was ravaged by a fire that took crews 12 hours to control.

In 2022, brothers Kanaksingh and Narendar Dodia bought the site in a deal which included planning permission to convert it into residential.

They started work on the scheme in the same year but are now asking Dover District Council (DDC) for permission to modify the layout of the flats and add two smoke vents following a number of delays.

“We've faced several issues, including technical challenges,” Kanaksingh said.

“Fortunately, we've found solutions to address these, allowing us to move forward. We are getting the help from Dover council to help us complete the project.

“One of the primary reasons for the delays has been the need to revise the design to comply with the latest fire safety regulations.

“We believe that with the approval of the minor deviations we've submitted, we can finally complete the project.”

But three objection comments have been submitted on DDC’s planning portal, including one from The Dover Society, which aims to “promote high standards of planning and architecture in the town”.

“We objected to the original application on the grounds of over intensification, impact on neighbouring properties, and increased pressure on car parking,” it said.

“While we don't doubt the necessity of these changes for improved access and fire safety, they do not address the fundamental problem with the development.”

Resident Bernie Mayall agreed, describing the project, which does not include any parking spaces, as “poorly conceived”.

“I cannot see any material changes to the original proposal that mitigate the concerns raised previously,” she said.

Rebecca Marsh added: “[I am objecting] due to lack of parking in town and on Priory Hill which is already taken over by business parking here.

“Parking on Priory Hill needs to be made permit holders like in Priory Grove to stop this happening.”

The Dodia brothers run two businesses together - an IT consultancy company and a property development business.

Find out about planning applications that affect you by visiting the Public Notice Portal.

They say their scheme will give the site a "phoenix-like rebirth", and claim their proposed changes will “improve the experience for future residents”.

In response to the parking concerns, Kanaksingh added: “I want to clarify that the new design maintains the same number of flats, and we have also included provisions for cycle parking as before.

“The adjustments we've made are solely to ensure compliance with the new fire safety standards.”

The church was being converted into flats when the blaze broke out in September 2007, leaving the building as a roofless shell.

A decision on the application will be made by planning officers at DDC.