Plans to turn a former restaurant into flats have been submitted to the council.

Proposals have been put forward to turn the Grade-II listed properties at 55-57 Newington High Street into seven new homes.

Along with its two current residential flats, the old cottages could become six two-bedroom flats and one one-bedroom residential flat.

Adding balconies to the property and the conversion of an existing outbuilding into an office are also part of the plans.

JPD Architecture UK Ltd, who lodged a previously unsuccessful project at the site in 2019, is behind the application.

A spokesman said: "In considering a sensitive conversion respecting the historic fabric of the building we have researched the available historic records.

"In considering a new approach to the building we have looked at how the building could provide a sustainable use and how it would best suit possible future occupants of the building.

"This led us to consider allowing future residents to interact more with the facilities in the High Street."

The building was last used as The Inglenook restaurant which closed in 2015.

The Heritage Impact Statement, which was submitted alongside the proposals, commends the plans.

It read: "The alterations and extensions at the rear will help improve the appearance of the building complex, with the removal of the modern fake pitched roof at the front of the modern-flat-roofed extension.

"At the front, the proposals will include the removal of the modern shop fronts and reinstatement to the historic pattern as seen on old photographs and this work represents a significant enhancement to the appearance of the building complex.

"Taken as a whole, the development of this historic building complex will facilitate the refurbishment of the historic buildings, bringing them back into beneficial use and preserving and enhancing the character of the Newington Conservation Area and we therefore commend these Proposals to the Swale Borough Council."

However, it wasn't too long ago when the building had a vehicle crash into the front of it.

A drink driver was arrested after a car ploughed through the window of the disused restaurant.

Witnesses said there were two cars involved in the crash on the A2.

To have your say on the plans or for further information visit Swale council's planning portal and enter 23/501221/FULL.

Speaking on the proposals a Swale council spokesman said: "An application has been made to convert the premises of a restaurant and two flats in Newington High Street into flats and an office with an extension being included in the application.

"As the application has only recently been submitted it is still in the early stages. You can view the plans and comment on them through the online planning portal.”