Plans have been submitted to add 32 flats and two floors to a town centre housing block.

Property agents Savills wants to take the total number of homes at Pembury Court, in Pembury Street, Sittingbourne to 70 from its current 38.

A 3,000 sq m site first built in the 1960s, it currently has two storeys arranged around a central courtyard and is located opposite Wetherspoon pub The Golden Hope.

The building was also originally used as accommodation for the elderly. However, it now comprises 38 self-contained residential homes.

If the application, submitted to Swale council, is successful, two floors will become four.

The development would also see 42 new cycle spaces added from its current zero.

However, the number of car parking spaces will decrease from 17 to 13 – despite proposals to almost double the amount of properties.

One disabled space would also be added.

The application's planning statement says the plans will transform the site with a more modern design.

It said: “The proposals will deliver a high quality, beautiful and sustainable building and courtyard garden which will contribute positively to local character – enhancing the local townscape.

“The design-led and innovative design approach responds to its context and will raise the standard of design generally in the area.

“It will optimise the potential of the site by delivering 32 new homes in a mix of housing typologies and sizes.”

Following a pre-application consultation with the council, it was also noted the development could improve vegetation with the addition of large native trees along the bank between the A2 and the building.

Planning officers also reportedly expressed their preference on design options, such as declaring the existing materials on lower floors should not be replicated in the upper floors.

The site already has planning approval for an additional four flats on its ground floor.

Given the green light in 2019, this is currently being carried out by converting building facilities such as its plant rooms.

However, the latest application has been met with differing views by residents already living in the block.

One person said: “This is news to me and I’ve lived here for six years.

“The area is already crowded and can be noisy and difficult to park, so it’s quite concerning.”

Although another woman, who has lived in the building for four years, reacted differently.

“Once it’s done, it will hopefully make a difference compared to what it is like now,” she added.

“It’s quite scruffy at the minute so it will be nice to see it refurbished.

“Things like the carpets and walls need to be done up.”

You can view the application here by searching for the reference 23/503467/FULL.

A decision on the proposal is expected on November 10.