Planning experts say a revised scheme to convert a 1930s cinema into blocks of flats should be refused permission.

The application to convert the old cinema in King Street, Gravesend, is set to go before Gravesham Council's planning committee on Wednesday, June 15, after a decision was deferred in November last year.

The scheme from Lali Enterprises would see the former Majestic Cinema site converted into a "residents' workhub" on the ground floor, with six flats above, and a larger block of 42 flats built behind, where the cinema auditorium once stood.

Last year councillors raised concerns over the height of the originally proposed nine-storey block of 47 flats, prompting developers to come up with a revised scheme for a seven-storey block containing 42 flats.

But a report set to go before the planning committee suggests the scheme should still be refused permission, stating the new block would be an "overly dominant form of development," that would "completely overwhelm" Brewhouse Yard and immediate surroundings to the rear of the site.

It also noted the block would be an "incongruous addition in wider townscape views at odds with the prominent features of Gravesend’s historic roofscape principally several church spires".

The report continues: "As such this proposal would have a harmful impact on the setting of the High Street and Queen Street, King Street and Harmer Street Conservation Areas and would have an adverse impact on the setting of the Grade II-listed St George’s Church, the Grade II-listed St Johns Church, the Grade II-listed clock tower and the Methodist Church."

The recommendation adds that the development would impact on the amenity and privacy of a number of neighbouring properties.

Developers argue the scheme is compliant with planning polices and makes a "much more efficient use of an underutilised brownfield site in a highly accessible and sustainable location".

They say the proposals will "complement the evolving character of Gravesend town centre by provided a high-quality, residential-led, mixed-use development".

Addressing concerns over the impact of the building, they add: "Whilst the proposal will change some views of the town centre, as detailed above and within the supporting Heritage and Townscape Assessment, this impact will be less than substantial and will in fact enhance the heritage significance of the locality."

Developers say the proposal complies with national planning policies and would "lead to less than substantial harm and the substantial benefits far outweigh any perceived harm".