Plans for 24 flats, offices and commercial units on a high street have been recommended for rejection by planners who say it would be out of character and dominate neighbouring properties.

The redevelopment of a site next to the former Hen and Chicks pub was described as a chance to “rejuvenate and modernize” Luton High Street - but Medway Council’s planning department thinks otherwise.

The agents, Directive Planning, submitted the application in February and it now is up for consideration by councillors at a planning committee on December 18.

The plans are to demolish the two-storey Medway Food Centre and two one-storey units and replace them with a four-storey building of 13 one-bedroom and 11 two-bedroom apartments.

Three commercial units and three offices are also part of the plans.

There would be no parking provision for the flats, however there would be cycle storage.

The plans have been put together by businessman Ali Akpinar who runs Medway Food Centre.

The application has been recommended for refusal by the authority’s planning officers, who say the proposed four-storey building would be overdevelopment of the site which would dominate other buildings and be out of keeping with neighbouring properties.

Officers say some of the flats inside the building would not receive sufficient sunlight, while others would overlook neighbouring houses.

The council also has concerns because the site is next door to the pub, which planners believe is a heritage asset because of its significance to the community and is considered to display architectural and historic value - and they say the redevelopment might put this building at risk.

The application received a total of 127 comments from residents, 80 in support and 47 objecting.

Objectors highlighted problems around loss of views, the building being out of character with the area, the development posing increased pressure on local infrastructure and the lack of parking.

Those in support highlighted the economic benefits of the development and the renovation of the High Street.

Supporters also disputed concerns raised about pressure on GPs and said the lack of parking would encourage people to use alternative modes of transport.

However, some objectors queried letters of support, saying they were not written by people living in the Luton area - with some from other areas of the Towns and one with an address in Maidstone.

A decision on the application will be made by the council’s planning committee on December 18.