A retirement housing firm has revealed plans to build 62 flats on a bowling green.

McCarthy Stone is proposing the development at Gravesend Rugby Football Club's (GRFC) former bowls club, which closed in 2020.

The club, in Church Walk, took the decision to shut the bowling green following discussions with the landowners over financial struggles brought on by coronavirus.

It caused dispute between members who, at the time, said they felt "stabbed in the back" and disappointed over the way they had been treated.

A consultation has now opened for residents to share their thoughts on the proposals to build on the plot.

McCarthy Stone is planning to construct 62 one- and two-bedroom retirement flats with a communal lounge, hotel-style guest suites and landscaping.

It would also create 32 car parking spaces for residents, visitors and staff.

Andrew Wickett, divisional managing director at McCarthy Stone London and South East, said: "The virtual exhibition provides us with an important opportunity to understand feedback on our proposals at this early stage.

"That way, we can incorporate and address the views of the local community into the design process and our plans for the site, where possible. It is important that communities cater to the needs of all their residents.

"We are proposing a high-quality redevelopment that delivers specialist extra care accommodation on a sustainable site, close to shops and facilities in Gravesend.

"This development would improve accommodation choice for older people in the local area, within a vibrant community of like-minded individuals.

"Our proposals for Gravesend will also help free up the wider housing market for local families and first time buyers further down the chain.

"Our research shows that every McCarthy Stone apartment sold generates at least two moves further down the housing chain. This means this a 62-unit scheme in Gravesend would likely free up 124 homes for local people at differing stages of the housing ladder."

According to the firm, the sale of the club will allow GRFC to invest money into new floodlighting, drainage and levelling the rugby pitches to increase the number of matches played.

McCarthy Stone hopes to submit a planning application following a review of the feedback it receives during the public consultation.

You can contact the project team via phone at 0800 298 7040, email at feedback@mccarthystoneconsultation.co.uk or by visiting the project website here.

The proposals will be available to view and comment on from today until Thursday, October 6.