A former nightclub could be transformed into even more apartments than planned after developers resubmitted proposals for a new housing project.

Provectus Developments now wants to build 61 flats in New Road, Chatham, saying the scheme already approved for 50 homes simply isn’t viable any more.

If approved, they would replace the former Krystals Nightclub and Vanity Bar which shut in the summer of 2013. Before that, it was the Manor Club – one of Kent’s most popular night spots.

The application comes just nine months after proposals for 50 homes on the same plot were given the green light by Medway Council on March 8.

However, the new application would see the number of homes rise to 61 – an increase of 11 – across two blocks.

The first building would be four storeys high, while the second is proposed to be four and a half.

Information submitted in the application planning statement says: "Due to the costs associated with the development of the site and the layout of the consented scheme, the applicant is looking to submit a revised application for 61 units, on the basis that the consented scheme would not be viable.

"It should be noted that the overall massing of the structure is very similar to that previously approved.

"The development will comprise two buildings known as A and B for distinguishing purposes.

"Building A will be located parallel to New Road at the top of the site, [while] Building B will be located parallel to The Paddock at the bottom of the site.

"Buildings A and B will have the same proposed roof level height of 34.16m, however Building B will have a split roof level – with the elevation facing The Paddock having a maximum height of 31.46m to provide rooftop balconies for the third-floor apartments.

"In between both buildings there will be a central courtyard area for residents to use as amenity space.

"This area will include seating areas and green spaces for enjoyment, [and] new trees and shrubs will be planted in the courtyard to provide a pleasant, landscaped space, removing the urban feel of the site."

The previous application of 50 apartments had seen a quarter of them classified as affordable housing, where homes are either let or sold under shared ownership at least 20% below local market values.

The latest proposal, if approved, would see no affordable homes included.

Of the 61 homes, 45 would be one-bedroom apartments, 14 would have two bedrooms and the remaining two homes would have three bedrooms.

There would also be 37 parking spaces, 116 cycle spaces and a further three for motorcycles.

You can view the application here, searching for reference MC/23/2669.

An update on the application is expected by February 28 next year.

The site, once known as the Manor Club, became one of Medway's most popular nightspots, yet it was shut with "considerable reluctance" following a court hearing back in 2003.

The site was then brought back to life as Krystals.

However, the venue hit problems when Medway Council refused to allow it to be changed from a members-only club to a nightclub or extend its opening hours, amid fears over its "adult entertainment" offer.

Those living nearby claimed it could bring prostitution back to the area and result in excessive noise.

Club owner Sanjay Raval – who now runs the City Wall Wine Bar in Rochester – later won his battle on appeal and turned the club into a popular venue before stepping away in 2013 due to ill health.

The plot has remained derelict since the pandemic.