Major plans to build two flat blocks with 114 homes and a rooftop garden on the site of a vacant gasworks site have been given the green light.

Proposals for the historic bit of land, which was first documented on maps around the 1830s, were approved last Wednesday.

It means two blocks with 75 and 69 flats will be built at the Tonbridge PRS site off Medway Wharf Road in an attempt to bring it a “new lease of life”.

Gas cylinders at the site, thought to have been built in the early 1900s, have been redundant for more than two decades and are visible from around the town.

The proposals were met with dozens of objection letters when they were first revealed in 2021, with people concerned about only 91 parking spaces being included.

One resident said: “The parking proposal is preposterous in the fact there will only be enough parking for approximately two-thirds of occupants.

“Parking around the existing building is a nightmare for visitors, let alone visitors.”

Another person, whose daughter lives in nearby Breach House, added: “The parking around the existing seven blocks of apartments is seriously inadequate.”

They claimed the streets are usually lined with cars as a result of insufficient parking, with delivery drivers often forced to leave their car in the middle of the road.

Some are in favour of the development, with one resident commenting: “The gasholders, although thought to be an unpleasant view, have grown on me. However, the new site looks good too.

“I was ready to shoot this application down but I like the plans and my biggest concern now is if this is shot down then others will apply and the plans could be worse.”

Another supporter said: “I fully support these proposals. I think the design is excellent and has really considered the surrounding characteristics and will fit in nicely with the area.

“This is an ideal location for river-facing apartments and it will transform what is currently an ugly and wasted space into a beautiful space.”

The development will be made up of 52 one-bedroom, 69 two-bedroom, and 23 three-bedroom apartments.

Tonbridge Historical Society (THS) supported the design of the project but said there is a lack of affordable housing and the nearby roads are inadequate and commonly used as a rat run by motorists.

You can view the plans on Tonbridge and Malling Brough Council’s planning portal here. https://planning.agileapplications.co.uk/tmbc

Use reference 21/02298/FL to see all the planning documents.