Permission to convert a historic pub into a house of multiple occupancy has been turned down.

Developers wanted to turn the former Lord Duncan pub in New Road, Chatham, which has been vacant for more than 45 years, into a home for 10 people.

Permission to convert the site – which is a Grade-II listed building – was originally sought last year but the applicant withdrew.

When the proposals were put forward a second time, those behind the bid wanted to create 10 bedrooms with shared kitchens, a laundry room and communal space.

However, Medway Council's planning department determined the internal alterations would be "unsympathetic and unnecessarily harmful to the significance of the listed building".

According to the applicant, the pub has been vacant since 1974.

Last year, it was sold for £115,000 at auction.

It is believed to have been built during the late 1700s and was named after Admiral Duncan of the Royal Navy.

He led a force which defeated the Dutch fleet off Camperdown and Egmont in 1795.

The decision was returned on Monday, April 26.

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