The decision as to whether a huge car showroom can be converted into 159 apartments has been deferred.

Len House Ltd submitted a planning application to Maidstone Borough Council concerning the redevelopment of Len House, known as the Rootes building, in Maidstone, which used to home Robin and Day, the Peugeot dealers.

Developers want to retain the large windows and high interior spaces of the existing building, built in the 1930s, with a commercial use, such as a restaurant, on the ground floor.

The company also wants to add a two-storey extension on the roof of the Mill Lane building, taking it to five storeys in all.

In addition, the firm plans to erect three new buildings on the current car park behind Len House, with one made to look like an "extension" of former showroom.

There could also be a u-shaped block, with 50 units and another three storey block to house six units.

Twenty-four parking spaces for customers using commercial units would be in front of the Len House 'extension', plus parking for residents.

Apartments would be a mixture of one, two and three bedrooms.

Council officers have recommended members approve the scheme, arguing it involves the redevelopment of under-utilised land within a prominent town centre location.

The building was among five sites in the town identified as an 'opportunity site' by the council in September.

However, some nearby venues, such as the Brenchley pub in the High Street, have raised concerns about noise complaints.

Owner, Jack Wilson, said the beer garden would only be metres away from some of the proposed homes.

In a letter, he wrote: "We have deep concerns that without sufficiently sound proofed accommodation we will receive complaints from the residents of these dwellings, which we fear could have an impact on our ability trade within the confines of our approved license."

Agents acting for the Stonegate Pub Company, which owns the Bierkeller in Bank Street, raised similar concerns. Its property at the rear extends down to Len House.

Residential development was inappropriate in what was essentially a comercial part of town, the company argued.

At a planning committee meeting last night, members voted to defer a decision so that certain conditions such as noise levels and how the River Len will be affected by the development can be clarified, and to potentially look into a section 106 agreement being made between the council and developers.

It will next be discussed at a meeting on Thursday, July 23.

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