Controversial plans to build flats on a green space have been approved.

The proposal to transform the plot opposite Tesco Express in Whitehill Road, Gravesend received a narrow vote in favour during a council planning meeting.

The go-ahead means Southend-On-Sea based company Breley Design Ltd will be able to build a block of flats with a cafe, expand existing parking and create a children’s play park.

Earlier, KentOnline reported how officers had recommended the decision be delegated to the Head of Planning, who should grant permission but only if the applicant agrees to certain conditions.

During a meeting on Wednesday, September 24 at Gravesend Civic Centre, councillors voted five to four in favour of the plans.

The applicant said the proposal would help address a housing shortfall in the area.

But, the scheme has been controversial among residents – previous plans for the site have twice been rejected.

An initial application was submitted in 2018 proposing the construction of a car park consisting of 27 spaces and was later refused on appeal.

A second was sent to the council a year later and outlined the building of a three-storey block consisting of 12 flats and a 27-space car park.

That application was turned down on the grounds it would result in a loss of green space and harm the character of the area.

At the meeting, Cllr Derek Ashenden said: “The problem with it all is it just doesn't fit and that’s why we’ve had continual changes and changes.”

Cllr Gary Harding added: “I’ve never seen anything that looks so out of place for the surrounding area - it’s a complete mismatch.”

The new application would see a two to three-storey building constructed on the southern section of the green, opposite Whitehill Parade.

As well as a coffee shop on the ground floor, it would feature 14 apartments of which 10 would be two-bedrooms, and four would be one-bedroom.

The rest of the space will be home to a new children’s play park, an outdoor gym, new seating and softened landscaping.

Case officer Ethan Bonthron said: “This is considered to provide an opportunity to enhance the well-being and quality of life for both new and existing residents.

“The open space is in a sustainable location, it makes an important contribution to the borough’s housing need and improves the existing open space.”

But, residents also raised concerns over a possible increase in ongoing traffic issues in the area.

Under the proposal, the Tesco Express car park would be expanded by 25 spaces.

Of these, 14 would be allocated to customers, another 14 for new residents, and the remaining three for visitors.

Cllr Ashenden said: “Where this is in Whitehill road is extremely busy.

“I live near there and avoid that area now so if we're going to have lots of trucks we’re going to have lots of problems there I think.”

Planning permission has been granted on the grounds the applicant agrees to pre-commencement conditions.

These included that the development is started within three years and Section 106 payments – totalling nearly £70,000 – to help support local facilities, are met.