GRAVESHAM council has lost its bid to prevent what it claims is a hostel opening in town.

The authority was seeking a permanent injunction from the High Court out of concerns HFHA Group would open Cygnet House in Windmill Street as a hostel despite securing planning consent for a hotel.

But on Tuesday the council lost its trial meaning the development will be allowed to go ahead.

Dan Dennis, Journeys area group manager, said: "We are pleased that it's going to give us the opportunity to open the premises and for the council and local residents to believe that this is not a threat to Gravesend."

The developers had ceased works after the council previously won a temporary High Court injunction.

However from Thursday, June 11 the development will be able to open providing it does not operate as a hostel.

HFHA Group already has planning permission to turn empty offices inside the six-storey building into a hotel with 60 en-suite bedrooms.

But it has submitted two further applications to the council - one for amended use and one for a hostel.

Gravesham Borough Council said it is considering taking its case to the Court of Appeal.

A statement released by the council said: "His Honour Judge Seymour said there was insufficient evidence that the group intended to break its planning permission and building regulations."