THE future of the historic Restoration House at Rochester could be in doubt if plans for a housing development on its border are approved, its owner has claimed.

Restoration House, the inspiration behind Miss Havisham's Satis House in Dickens' novel Great Expectations, was named after King Charles II stayed there on the eve of his coronation in May 1660. Surrey-based Gladedale Homes has put in an application to demolish two church halls used by the Vines United Reform Church next door and build 10 houses and four flats.

The plans for the project include 21 second and third storey windows that would overlook the northern boundary of Restoration House. Co-owner Robert Tucker, who bought Restoration House nine years ago, said that the development could threaten the future of the historic building.

He stressed: "This is one of Rochester's most historic buildings and the gardens have been described as an 'unexpected oasis.'

He added: "We have worked hard restoring the building and the garden and we've spent well over a million in the past nine years.It's an important building and we feel these overlooking windows will make the running and subsidising of Restoration House a much less appetising prospect."

The historic home hosted 2,300 visitors last year, and is opening in June to coincide with the extended Dickens festival. Mr Tucker said he feels that after working so hard to save the house from ruin and then opening it to the public, the planning proposals came as a bit of a shock.

He said: "It feels like a bit of a slap in the face. We are just about keeping our heads above water, but we bought the house because of our love of old buildings. Restoration House needs a lot of subsidising and support to keep it open for the public and it worries me that after we have gone the neighbouring buildings will make it less likely for someone to carry on the hard work."

Ward councillor Sue Haydock said she was very interested in making sure the needs of Restoration House were respected. She said: "With planning applications, it's important to see the context it will be set in. My main concern is that the interests of the conservation area and the centre of Rochester are looked after."

Councillors will consider the application for the buildings next to Restoration House after the consultation period ends on March 4. A spokesman for Gladedale Homes said: "We have submitted the application and are waiting for it to go through the official process."