A DERELICT piece of land in the County Town could finally be regenerated if the latest planning application on the site is approved.

The owner of the former gasworks at St Peter’s Wharf, St Peter’s Street, Maidstone, Electricity Supply Nominees (ESN) has put in an application for a mixed-use development on the site.

ESN first tried to develop the site four years ago when they applied to build a warehouse and fast food restaurant. That application was turned down by Maidstone Borough Council which was keen to see housing on the site as well.

ESN withdrew its appeal against the decision last year and has now put in a mixed-use application. The new plans include 26,000 square feet of shops and 5,000 square feet of restaurant space at ground level.

Above the shops will be 122 homes, consisting mainly of one and two bedroom apartments in six storeys. The application also includes some landscaping to integrate the site with the river walk and parking for 177 cars.

Tim Waters, from agents Planning Perspectives, said: "Numerous applications have been made for this site and for one reason or another have not come about.

"We have worked very hard trying to put together an application that is viable and will improve the area. We are hopeful that the council’s planning department will agree that this application is good for the town."

Maidstone town centre manager Bill Moss said: "This area is one of the last remaining undeveloped sites in the town centre and these exciting plans for mixed use development will tidy up a particularly unsightly part of our town. It will also complement the other building works going on in the town."