A controversial application to create an 18-storey tower block of flats on one of the key entrances into the county town has been approved, after a two-hour debate.

There were a number of objections to the scheme proposed by Development Securities Ltd for the site of adjacent to Royal Engineers Road at Sandling, where the former KCC offices used to be.

But planning officers tonight urged members of Maidstone council’s planning committee to accept the scheme for a total of 310 flats across two buildings, one 18 storeys and one ranging from eight to 11 storeys.

The scheme provides only 187 parking spaces.

The area has been allocated for a high density housing development in Maidstone’s emerging Local Plan.

There were 46 letters of objection.

Neighbour Peter Owen spoke against the scheme, saying: "This is obscenely tall. It will be a towering eyesore."

Mr Owen also described the parking provision as "delusional."

Officers said that the tower block would be designed as "a chamfered cuboid, which, together with use of different colours on its elevations in a diagonal or diamond pattern, means that the bulk of the building will be disguised.”

Officers said: "In visual terms, the proposal is likely to make a positive contribution to the area and an attractive gateway to Maidstone town centre.”

Conditions will require the developer to make a contribution totalling nearly £300,000 to improvements at North Borough Primary School, the new Free School of Science and Technology planned for Valley Park, improving St Faith’s Adult Education Centre and the Kent History and Library Centre among others.

The developers provided a confidential viability report to support its assertion that there was no opportunity to provide affordable housing.

However, they intend to make only 90 flats available to purchase and 220 flats will be for private renting.

The scheme was approved by seven votes to five, with one abstention.