Councillors approved plans for a mixed-use development including 156 flats, retail and office space in a town centre.

The major development for Lord Street Car Park in Gravesend was discussed at planning committee on Wednesday. (February 1)

The applicants – Park Central Developments Ltd – submitted plans to Gravesham Borough Council to build four to seven-storey buildings with a 10-storey tower on the site, near the junction with Parrock Street.

It will provide 156 build to rent apartments including a mix of one and two bedroom and studio flats and seven live work units.

The development will also provide around 2,612sqm of commercial space, including office, retail and workshops, and a new, one-way road joining onto Parrock Street.

There has been 51 car parking spaces allocated for the whole proposal of which 15 would be accessible for disabled people, 20 motorcycle spaces and 368 spaces for bikes.

Council officers had recommended the application for approval subject to the applicant agreeing to pre-commencement conditions and the completion of a section 106 agreement.

This was agreed by councillors at the meeting this week with eight members voting for the scheme and one against.

Speaking about the decision, planning committee chairman Cllr Brian Sangha said: "The development was well received as was the fact the developers have spent 18 months with planning officers making changes.

"Members of the committee thought it would help to bring other developments to the area. It does have a push and pull effect, well that is what we hope.

"It is a major, significant, brownfield site in a suitable location of the town centre. It is a good use of land."

This was echoed by the applicants in the design and access statement submitted among the plans for the current temporary car park in Lord Street.

It reads: "The aim is to use this building as a catalyst for change, helping to revitalise what would otherwise be an underwhelming site that currently does not provide architectural or urban significance to the town centre."

Cllr Sangha said members also spoke on the lack of parking but decided as it is a town centre scheme the provisions in place were appropriate.

Other discussions took place around the impact on heritage assets and the natural surveillance it would bring to Gravesend.

The development was granted permission subject to a section 106 and conditions being agreed upon.