Developers of a major town centre scheme have asked to increase the number of homes while halving the amount of car parking spaces.

Quinn Estates has submitted an amended application to Gravesham council to change already approved plans for Clifton Slipways, in Gravesend, saying they are no longer financially feasible.

The submitted cover letter said: “The scheme as permitted is not viable and does not comply with more recent fire safety regulations. It cannot, therefore, be delivered in its current form.”

In their report, council officers refer to a statement from the applicant’s consultants who say costs have increased significantly and the approved scheme “barely breaks even” before any section 106 contributions are made.

The original proposals were for a 23-storey tower block and a 12-storey building, either side of West Street, containing 227 flats along with 111 parking spaces and cycle storage.

Councillors voted to approve the application in 2020 on the basis a section 106 was also completed and as part of this, included plans to restore the existing pier to provide public and private space, 16 business units and a cafe.

But now, the developer has asked to alter plans for the smaller tower by removing some of the car parking and creating an extra nine apartments.

The additional flats, which would bring the total up to 236, would help address the viability concerns but in doing so the number of parking spaces will be halved, dropping from 111 to 56.

Quinn Estates, in its submitted cover letter, said: “In the determination of the original planning application, officers recognised that around half of the local population do not have access to a car, and the reduction in car parking spaces at the time from 124 to 111 was specifically welcomed.

“Indeed, it was noted that with the highly sustainable location of the development, being within walking distance of public transport links, the development was not required to comply strictly with the parking standards.

“The proposals would therefore remain acceptable in relation to transport and highways terms.”

Kent County Council’s highways team did not object to the change and said the reduction was “acceptable” due to the location as there are also public car parks nearby.

In their report, planning officers added the increase in homes would offer a “significant contribution” towards meeting the local housing need.

The previously agreed section 106 has also been said to not be viable so Quinn Estates is asking for changes to be made, in the most recent application.

The firm was expected to provide 22 homes at a discounted rent and although it has confirmed it “understands the importance of providing an affordable product on-site” has requested to vary the legal agreement.

This means the number of affordable homes will stay the same but some would be at a discounted sale rate if approved by councillors.

Quinn Estates was also meant to deliver the restored pier when half of the development was occupied but has asked to change the trigger point until half of the bigger tower block is occupied.

In their report, officers said: “This is considered to be appropriate given the complexities associated with the scheme and the current viability position.”

The latest planning application is set to be discussed by councillors at the planning committee on Wednesday (October 25) after it was called in. You can view the plans here.

To see more planning applications and other public notices for your area, visit publicnoticeportal.uk.

It has been recommended for approval which would be delegated to the head of planning subject to conditions and amendments of the agreed section 106.

Officers added the plans would have “no detrimental impact on the surrounding townscape, character of the area, amenity of neighbouring occupiers or future occupiers of the development, highway safety or parking”.

Permission for the regeneration of Clifton Slipways was originally given in 2016, but work never began. Quinn Estates then put forward revised proposals in 2019.