A "visually poor" town centre building could be demolished so it can be transformed into 23 flats and a new shop.

Plans have been unveiled to build a four-storey complex behind the Multi Save store in Market Street, Faversham.

Developers want to knock down the existing structure – previously occupied by Woolworths – and the large unit behind the site to make way for the homes and create a new retail space within the replacement building.

A planning application has been tabled with Swale Borough Council by London-based Impact Developments Faversham Ltd, which owns the site.

"The existing 'two-storey' facade is a very poor 1950s insertion that was never in keeping with the street scene, in either scale or materials," documents state.

"It was also false at the upper floor, being a propped brick facade with nothing behind it.

"The design of the new facade is intended to strengthen the street scene through appropriate detailing, proportionate storey heights - having no consistent levels to replicate - and an appropriate overall massing.

"At ground level, an entrance to the residential units over has been introduced with independent expression to the retail component, allowing residents to access from Market Street.

"This creates a far better functional relationship between the front and rear residential components than previously."

It is envisaged there will be a four-storey building connected via a garden area to the new retail unit and three additional floors above to provide three more flats.

The new block will be built adjacent to the Central Car Park where 20 flats will be constructed.

When contacted by KentOnline, the owner of the Multi Save business, who did not want to be named, said: "Nothing is going to happen at the moment. We will be staying there.

"We are not going anywhere but I’m not sure yet."

Documents state Impact Developments Faversham Ltd wants to "address the significant housing shortage" in the town and add on to a "well-established thriving community".

The firm adds: "In line with suggestions made after the second pre-application, the upper level has been set back, a parapet was introduced with the set back top floor now subservient, reducing its dominance on the street scene.

"Additionally, window distribution at this level has been reduced from four to three, creating subordinance at this level, making it in keeping with the wider contextual themes.

"We have introduced brick gables to each flank, creating a strong threshold at the boundary at high level, retaining the individual character of each defined plot.

"Window systems have been rationalised to remain consistent throughout, again, identifying each facade by style as well as form."

The 23 new homes will comprise eight one-bedroom units, 13 two-bedroom flats and two three-bedroom apartments all of which will be for the open market, application forms state.

The plans have been reduced since initial discussions with Swale council started in 2021 when developers had proposed a building with another storey and filling the entire site.

All ground floor apartments would have access to semi-screened private amenity areas and all units above them will have either balconies or roof terrace areas.

But all residents will have access to a communal garden on the roof.

Rear access would be via Leslie Smith Drive, which also feeds the public car park neighbouring the site by Faversham Pools.

The complex will only retain two disabled car parking spaces and two bays for a car club facility but proposes storage for 23 bicycles.

The Faversham branch of Woolworth's closed in January 2009 after the firm went into administration.

More than 1,000 people signed a petition against the closure of the town's store.

Search reference 23/500728 on Swale Borough Council's planning portal to view the application and comment.