Plans to create a block of flats condemned as “looking like a prison” have been dropped.

An update on a council planning portal for the scheme earmarked to replace the disused River Garage near Dover shows it has now been withdrawn.

The planning application, for up to six flats across three floors at River Street, River, had ended up with 105 letters of objection and none in support.

Posting on the River Village Community Facebook page, one user had written: “It looks like a prison. It’s hardly in keeping.”

Following this latest decision a commentator now posted: “This is very good news, the village has avoided a blot on the landscape.”

Brenda Davis, writing on the Dover District Council planning portal, said the new building would “ ruin” the village.

She added: “The existing garage building is lovely as it is, why not just convert?”

Others on the portal raised concerns about traffic and parking problems.

Neighbour Julia Bean wrote: “River Street is a very narrow single track road and a further six dwellings will add to the volume of traffic/.

“This can be busy at peak times with children being dropped off for the pre-school and elderly people for the church creating potential danger for them.”

Neighbours KentOnline had met in the area had raised no immediate objections, with some saying the old building was an “eyesore” and should be replaced.

The application was by Atlanta Trust Ltd and the agents., West Green Planning Ltd of London, had stressed that this was an application for permission in principle rather than a detailed one.

It said the comments provided by planning officers and residents would help in a more detailed application once the principle of development has been established.

It had argued on the council portal that this was suitable for development for residential use.

KentOnline has contacted West Green Planning to confirm why the application has been withdrawn.