by James Scott

Plans to revamp Charter House and create more than 200 flats have been submitted to Ashford Borough Council.

The proposal for the Ashford landmark’s vacant offices to be converted into one and two bedroom flats has been put forward by owners Dukelease Properties Ltd.

The nine-storey office block in Park Street, built in the 1970s, could also have communal gardens on the rooftop, as well as shop and a restaurant on the ground floor.

The artist's impression (above) shows how the revamped block could look.

Dukelease financial director Spencer Leslie said: “It’s a unique development for Ashford. It’s going to create a tremendous amount of extra spending in the town centre.”

The plans are a revision of a scheme submitted in 2008. There is an option for either 204 flats plus one floor of offices, or 234 flats.

Other changes include removing most balconies except from the flats in the middle of the block and on the top two floors, and a “more subtle palate” of materials and simplified design.

The deadline for comments is June 30 and ABC intends to make a decision by the end of August.