Work has started to convert a former high street bank into a 13-bed house of multiple occupancy (HMO).

The plans for the vacant NatWest building, in Gillingham, were given the green light last month after being received by Medway Council in the summer.

The bank, which closed in June 2022, explained that counter transactions at the branch had decreased by 41% between 2017 and 2019.

Originally, the applicant, Mr Michal Keckes, of Mile Property Group, had asked for permission to use part of the building for 17 studio flats.

However, the plans were then reduced to 13 apartments across three floors with the the bottom level being kept for retail use.

Cycle parking and refuse storage facilities have also been drawn up for the site but there will be no car parking.

The design statement sent to the unitary authority said: “My client is intending to apply for planning permission for residential units for the rear of the ground and the upper floors.

“This will make the ground floor front units more attractive as they will be of a smaller more manageable size for ingoing tenants and attract attention from the independents.

“At the same time, the remainder of the building can be brought back to life as residential accommodation providing the town centre with much-needed housing.”

Mr Keckes also said the project would result in several benefits, including finding a use for a “dilapidated” building, restoring the front of a high street site, contributing to the regeneration of the high street and creating homes on brownfield sites rather than greenfield ones.

Council officers have since decided to approve the proposals as it would “bring back into use a vacant building”.

In their decision report, they added the conversion would also “respect the character of the area and existing and neighbouring residential amenity”.

Work to transform the former bank has now started but it is not known when it will be complete.