Residents and traders have slammed plans to transform a “visually poor” former Woolworths building into 23 flats and a new shop.

There are fears the bid to demolish the Multi-Save store in Market Street, Faversham and replace it with a four-storey complex would not be “in keeping with the historic town centre”.

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.

But objections sent to Swale Borough Council reveal there are concerns the increased height of the building will be out of place in the area.

Julie Pickering, the owner of the Forget-Me-Not card shop opposite Multi-Save, said: “The plans do not indicate where the additional parking would be for these new flats.

“Will the taxi rank that currently stands at the rear of the property fall victim to these proposed plans?

“This taxi rank is a lifeline to many of the residents of this town.”

The trader also has concerns about the impact the demolition will have on businesses - which is chiefly whether Market Street will be closed to traffic and pedestrians so the work can be carried out.

“The effect of a four-storey building being built directly opposite has not even been considered,” she added.

“The loss of natural light would once again impact businesses.”

Neighbour Nick Williams says the new building would overlook and overshadow his garden.

“The proposed visual appearance will not be in-keeping with the historic town centre,” he said.

“The woefully inadequate arrangements for car parking will mean there will be constant double-parking and idling engines outside our gate, with intolerable noise, smell, pollution and compromised pedestrian safety.”

He also branded the appearance of the new building “inappropriate”.

Another resident, Gina Medcalf, said: “This is an extremely important site in the centre of historic Faversham.

“The proposed building is not, to my educated eye, architecturally worthy of the site.

“Looking at the site from Market Street, a four-storey building - even with the set back, top-storey parapet - will significantly dominate the street scene.

“The only other four-storey buildings are fine old ones on the corner of Preston Street.”

A planning application has been lodged 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 from the applicants 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 earlier this month, 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."

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 Woolworths 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.