Plans to transform a brownfield site in the heart of a Kent town into 296 flats have been given unanimous approval.

Updated proposals to redevelop a site near Star Hill in Rochester and create four blocks were praised as an improvement on previous schemes.

The new version, which got the go-ahead from councillors at Medway Council’s planning committee last night (November 20), downsized a previously approved application but some concerns were still raised about views of the cathedral and castle being restricted.

The previous application allowed developers to build 374 flats, but the new plans represent a 26% reduction to prevent it looming over nearby buildings and limit its impact on the skyline. A new public garden is part of the design.

Councillors welcomed the reduction in height and changes to the look of the building, which they said was more in keeping with the local area.

Belfast-based developers Donard Living worked with transport experts and have also devised a four-arm crossing system for the Star Hill junction by the site to improve safety.

The site will have four blocks, totalling 199 one-bed flats and 97 two-bed flats with 45 parking spaces, along with a fifth building for commercial or community use.

Cllr Gary Etheridge (Con) said the improved version considered by councillors came as a result of constructive discussions between the council and the developers.

He said: “We’ve gone through various iterations of the plan for this, meetings, presentations, which councillors have attended.

“This application is far superior to what we’ve seen in the past, and it is the result of those meetings with councillors who put forward their views - and they have been listened to.

“We’ve seen a vast reduction in terms of massing and height, a vast improvement in terms of the public space, and therefore I can see absolutely no reason why we should object to this.”

Cllr Paula Hamilton (Lab), who represents Rochester West and Borstal where the land is located, raised concerns that the planned crossing was not fully funded by developer contributions for this application, and would need more contributions from other planning applications.

She said: “The four-way crossing is estimated to cost circa £1 million, however the S106 contribution is only one-fifth of that.

“I want it on record that is not sufficient from my perspective.”

Cllr Jim Gilbourne (Con) said the site had sat vacant for some time and wanted to know how quickly work would begin after planning permission had been granted.

Chief planning officer Dave Harris said this question had been raised with developers.

He said: “This was a question put to developers because members didn’t want to be sat here in two years time looking at yet another scheme.

“They were reassured the developers have done their numbers financially on this and they are keen to get building as soon as possible.”

In the past, the substantial brownfield site, which has remained derelict for decades, was home to the now defunct Bourne and Hillier dairy along with a collection of warehouse and industrial buildings.

The application received unanimous approval, with all 14 councillors voting in favour of the application.

Speaking afterwards, Donard Living’s chief executive Steven Flannery said: “The Ironmonger Yard plans are designed to transform a part of Rochester that has been unused for many years.

“We already had planning permission for the site and could have gone ahead, but instead we listened to local residents and felt it was important to refine our original scheme to better suit this historic area.

“We’re pleased the council recognised the work we had done to engage with the community, listened to their concerns and came back with a more sympathetic design that sits well alongside the surrounding listed buildings.

“We are now looking forward to beginning work on this project to bring much-needed homes in the heart of Rochester.”