Bosses behind a £30 million town centre homes development have moved to quash rumours the project is in trouble.

Work has been under way in Mill Street, Maidstone, to convert Len House – also known as the Rootes building – into 159 apartments.

But recently site hoardings have been changed from having artist’s impressions of how the scheme will look to being totally blacked out.

This has led to speculation in the town and on social media that the project has issues and might not happen as planned.

The proposals for the former Peugeot garage and showroom were first submitted in March 2020 with construction beginning in May last year.

Contractor Bauvill has explained the change to the hoardings is down to a potential redesign of certain parts of the build which might be different to the previous images.

And it is speaking to developers Classicus Estates to revise the imagery and information, including the completion date, to make sure they are accurate.

Bauvill says work on the site continues as scheduled but did not comment on when it will be finished or what the changes are.

A Classicus spokesman said: “Work is progressing well and has allowed us to identify a number of areas where we can improve the plans for the benefit of the businesses and residents that will occupy it once it's complete.

“As a result we have taken the decision to update the hoarding to reflect the enhanced vision and these will be in place in due course."

Originally the plan was to convert the grade-II listed building from a two-storey showroom to a five-storey complex with commercial space including an area for a restaurant and a car park.

Plans were also in place to keep the high interior and original style Crittall windows iconic to the building.

Maidstone council says is unaware of any major issues or changes to the approved plans.

A spokesman said: “Our part in the project is purely that of the local planning authority. As far as we’re aware, the project is progressing towards a successful conclusion.

“We consider Len House to be one of the more important buildings in the town and its successful redevelopment will be key to achieving the ambitions of the council’s emerging town centre strategy.”