A Sikh temple that was saved from demolition could now be turned into flats.

The car-free proposals for the former Gurdwara in Clarence Place, Gravesend, include 14 residential apartments, a library, cycle and bin storage facilities.

The derelict building – which once served as a place of worship – was saved from demolition in 2020 when councillors voted against plans to flatten it and build 19 flats.

It was argued the development would result in "an excessive and inadequately justified harm to the character and appearance of the conservation area".

The scheme was also dismissed at appeal by the Planning Inspectorate for the same reasons.

The new application submitted to Gravesham Borough Council in July outlines adjusted plans to instead convert the temple into flats as opposed to demolishing it.

It will create six apartments on the ground floor, five on the first floor and a further three on the top floor all of which will be a mixture of one and two bedrooms.

The lower ground floor will hold a library, entrance lobby, cycle and bin stores.

The decision to no longer demolish the building "is welcomed", according to the report, although consultees said it will "inevitably lead to impacts to the historic fabric of the building".

The report adds it is "considered to be an appropriate use of the building and will have no detrimental impact on the character and appearance of the street scene.

"The site is currently boarded up, in a state of disrepair and has been the victim of graffiti.

"The bringing into use of the building, new windows and façade will greatly enhance the surrounding conservation area and community as a whole."

Planning officers have recommended the proposals for approval – subject to planning conditions and the completion of a section 106 legal agreement.

There was 44 letters received following the application, 22 of who supported the scheme.

The building was originally built as Milton Congregational Church and lecture hall in 1873 before becoming a place of worship for Sikhs in 1968.

It has been vacant since 2010 and has been subject to various spates of vandalism.

The application will be discussed at planning committee on Wednesday, October 26.