Plans to demolish a car wash and build a six-storey apartment block with 80 homes has sparked traffic fears.

If approved, 56 two-bedroom flats and 24 one-bedroom apartments, would be built in St Peter's Street, Maidstone, close to Wickes, TK Maxx and Asda.

The proposals would also see three commercial units built below the multi-storey block.

However, the thought of 80 more homes on the street, which leads onto the busy A229 and Buckland Hill, has concerned people living nearby.

Luke Salvoni, who lives on the street, said: "I strongly object to this proposal. Having just relocated here as an owner-occupier one month ago, I am appalled at how busy St Peter's Street is during most hours, seven days per week.

"The lack of traffic management systems to join the A-roads is mind-boggling.

"As the locals know St Peter's Street is congested, many opt to take Buckland Hill and attempt to cut the traffic by re-joining via Buckland Road which does not work either.

"And you want to add more residential and commercial units? Truly insane."

Mr Salvoni also explained he was worried about the impact the incoming Lidl, which will be found next to Wickes, will also have on traffic congestion.

Natasha Quieros, of Pevensey Court, added: "The traffic is already horrendous along St Peter's Street, at child pick up times and after 5pm on weekdays and on weekends [with] people trying to get in and out of Asda and TK Maxx.

"It tails back past our flats, I've seen it tail back to Buckland Road before. There is no way of getting out, even trying to get out.

"It will be worse when Lidl is moved closer, even getting out of where it is now is a joke.This road is a risk of a car accident already, cars coming out of Asda.

"More flats will lead to more cars parked up, and I've noticed cars parking near our entrance, leaving hardly any visibility to see, again a risk of accident."

Lisa Lawrence, of Scotney Gardens, objected to the plans due to road concerns.

She said: "I strongly object due to traffic congestion which is already a major issue along St Peter's Street and Buckland Hill during peak times and weekends.

"These roads are far too busy to take any more buildings and people especially with all of the shops and large residential buildings here already.

"The area is already noisy due to all of the above mentioned. Also, with a train station, school, gym at the other end the whole area is too congested without adding more."

Planning documents on the council's website says the development will be a "high-quality, beautiful and sustainable building in an attractive urban, town centre environment".

You can view the St Peter's Street plans at www.tinyurl.com/planningkm with reference 22/504367/OUT.

Meanwhile, a consultation on separate plans to redevelop the Baltic Wharf and Powerhub site by developers Terance Butler Holdings is due to be held at the Powerhub building from 4pm on October 18.

Developers are planning to redevelop and demolish part of the Grade-II listed Powerhub building with commercial space on the ground floor, residential conversions above and adding an extra two storeys of housing on top.

Full details of the plans have not yet been revealed but it is also set to include new building on other parts around the riverside site of the former Tilling-Stevens factory.