Plans have been formally submitted to turn a former boutique hotel into 14 flats.

The Stone Court Hotel, in Maidstone, has been empty for almost two years but could soon be given a new lease of life as homes.

An application was validated by the council this week, requesting permission to convert the 17th-century property into apartments.

The 16-bed building in Lower Stone Street was forced to close in May 2013 after police officers stormed the building as part of an investigation into a suspected prostitution and drugs racket.

Four people were arrested in the raid but charges were only brought against Danny Knight, 29, of Twydall Green, Gillingham, who pleaded guilty to supplying controlled substances. He was fined £3,435.

The historic venue, which was once described as the ‘jewel of the town’, was left unattended until September last year when it was taken on by Madeleine Rose estate agents. It was repainted and the overgrown courtyard was cleared.

The council will aim to make a decision by Monday, April 27.