A former pub which was demolished but has never been redeveloped could be turned into flats.

An application has been made to turn the former Farmers pub in London Road, opposite the station in Sevenoaks, into 56 apartments.

The proposals include the erection of a six-storey building, with 12 one-bedroom flats, 40 two-bedroom flats and three three-bedroom flats, along with three disabled parking bays.

Many people have expressed their support for the application saying new housing is needed.

However, others feel the lack of parking in the plans is unacceptable for the number of people who would move there, and that the building will “dwarf” Sevenoaks.

Tony Green, who lives in the town, first learnt of the proposal when he spotted the notice on hoardings around the site.

He said: “We’ve got to have new housing, the area is pretty much built on, so any use of space is welcome.

“This land is not doing anything right now, so as long as they can make something work with it then that’s better.”

However, he agreed “the more parking the better” but believed the apartments would suit working people who commute to London.

“I think there’s a lack of housing in the area,” he added.

But in the design rationale, prepared on behalf of the applicant Glenman Corporation Ltd, it highlights the proximity of Sevenoaks railway station adding “the site benefits from several bus routes” converging on its location.

It adds: “This strategic positioning suggests that the development may necessitate minimal parking provision, aligning with the potential reliance on public transportation.”

However, Oliver Clark, a commuter who lives in the town, said: “It’s a pipe dream to imagine that people can live without a car in Sevenoaks.”

The 52-year-old added that the decision not to include parking provision for the 56 proposed apartments was “irresponsible” and “short-sighted” and said he would only support the development if this was remedied.

Despite this, he said: “I have observed the derelict plot opposite the station almost daily for over a decade and I am very happy to see a serious proposal to finally utilise the land and improve the surrounding area.”

A previous application for the site which comprised 39 flats, four shops, car parking and a service yard was previously approved after an appeal.

It comes after the government’s Planning Inspectorate agreed in favour of the plans after the applicant completed a unilateral undertaking which made provision for two affordable homes within the development.

Find out about planning applications that affect you by visiting the Public Notice Portal.

In addition, the inspectorate said the appellant would have to pay the council £3,000 towards additional off-site provision or, alternatively, pay £350,000 towards addressing all affordable housing requirements off-site, however after approval the application was subsequently withdrawn.

Now, the current plans only include three disabled parking bays and no affordable housing provision.

One resident is objecting due to concerns regarding privacy and light at her property in St Botolphs Avenue, a locally listed street.

The whole terrace of St Botolphs Street is part of the Sevenoaks council Local List, which means the site is recognised for its local significance and contribution to the character of the community and, as a result, has legal protections.

Although she understands there is a need for local housing, she believes the lack of parking is “unrealistic” and questions who the target occupants for the flats will be.

She says the light survey uploaded to the planning portal does not consider the impact on her home.

The resident, in her 60s, said: “I would entirely lose sight of the sky from my living room and my bedroom if the building goes ahead.

“Balconies and roof terraces would look straight into my bedroom and my living room. I would lose my privacy. “

When she moved to her home in 2021, searches by her property solicitor did not uncover the planning application for The Farmers in London Road, which had been withdrawn at the time.

She said: “The building will dwarf the entire gateway to Sevenoaks. You will arrive at Sevenoaks station or drive in and you will be met by an enormous building.”

Having grown up in the area she feels the “visual impact” of the development will be quite “shocking” if it goes ahead.

However, the design and access statement for the applicant said: “The scheme seeks to develop a high-quality architecture, set within a suitably aspirational renewal of the urban realm that address a need to provide the necessary gravitas and substance befitting this important gateway into Sevenoaks.”

The Sevenoaks District Council Planning Committee meeting is scheduled for today.

You can see the full application on the Sevenoaks planning portal 24/01339/FUL.

Glenman Corporation Ltd has been contacted for a comment.