A scheme which was met with praise by shop owners to create more flats in a town has been given the green light.

Traders previously said they thought plans to convert the former JobCentre, in Gravesend, into 37 apartments would “bring people back” to the area and return its “vibrance”.

In a planning statement, the developers said only “minor internal works” would be needed to transform the T-shaped building in The Grove.

Gravesham council officers have now approved the scheme which will see 31 studio and six one-bedroom flats created each with a living room, kitchen and bathroom.

The existing 22 car parking spaces will be kept, while 41 cycle spaces will be provided.

The application was one of many to be sent to the council in recent weeks looking to convert empty or unused buildings and bring them into residential use.

Speaking previously, local historian Christoph Bull told KentOnline that he believes reusing buildings, including historic ones, for residential use is positive as it will give them a new lease of life.

He said: “A building without a use is like your right arm without a blood supply. It is the key to bringing people back into the town.

“We need to be realistic. I do not want these historic buildings demolished or ruined so I support them being used because they have got to be.”

Graham Broadbent, who owns Marie’s Tea Room in the High Street, also said he hoped if more flats were approved for the town it would encourage people to use its many small businesses.

He added: “I am hoping the flats will bring its residents into the tea room and for them to use us, that is all I hope.

“There is not enough housing for people in the area but the developments need to be in the right place with the right infrastructure in place.”

Businessman James Marsh, who owns Blackwell Jewellers in Gravesend, agreed. He said: “People want to live in towns and there are buildings which are sitting empty.

“I think it is positive as if people live in the centre, it creates a hub and they will start shopping locally again. It can only help.”

To see more planning applications and other public notices for your area, click here.

The JobCentre in The Grove closed in 2022. A new site was then opened in New Road.