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The potential future of a once popular Chinese eatery, which was repossessed in the summer, has been revealed.
Plans have been submitted to Gravesham council to convert The Peking Chinese Restaurant, in Gravesend town centre, into six, one-bedroom flats.
In August, two notices were posted on the door of the business in Milton Road by Mid Kent Bailiff Services.
It read: “We have this day repossessed these premises on behalf of the landlords/managing agents W.J.Holland & Sons in forfeiture under the terms of the current lease.
“Should any person attempt entry without express permission of the said landlord and/or their agents then any such action will be deemed a criminal act and all necessary steps will be taken to prosecute offenders.”
The Grade-II listed building has been vacant since then and the applicant now hopes to convert it into residential properties without changing the original fabric.
According to a heritage statement, the upper floors of the building had been used as a Chinese restaurant since 1972.
It added: “The building is in a very poor condition and the proposal will significantly help in enhancing and bringing this listed building to use. It will be a positive enhancement of the conservation area.
“We are satisfied that the site is clearly an asset worthy of preservation and restoration, and the proposal will see the building provided with additional facilities to assist it long term viability given the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.”
The one-bedroom flats would be separated evenly between the two upper floors but the ground floor, which homes hair salon Kimoy’s Cuts and bakery Cake Box, will not be affected.
Each unit would include a bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, and living area if the scheme is approved.
There is no parking included in the application which is common with town centre proposals.
You can view the plans here or by searching for reference 20230268 on the council’s planning portal.
A decision is expected to be made by Tuesday, June 6.