Plans to turn a derelict pub into flats could be refused by the council despite calls for its conversion.

The former Kemsley Arms in Sittingbourne has been closed for almost 10 years and people living in the area are desperate for the "eyesore" to be dealt with.

The council has received an application to transform the old watering hole into a mix of flexible retail space and a possible 20 apartments.

Connor Bean and his parents Rachel and Andy live opposite the old pub.

The 24-year-old said: "My mum and dad used to run the Kemsley Arms.

"The building being turned into flats instead of another pub would be better, as the pub trade is sadly dying.

"It was good back in its day but it's just an eyesore now. It's best to just get it knocked down."

His 52-year-old mum, who served pints at the Kemsley Arms during the 2002 World Cup, felt the same.

Rachel said: "Flats would be better to look at.

"But like, with everything, it would depend on the type of people who moved into them.

"It has been bad living next to the pub when it looks the way it does, though.

"Perhaps instead of flats a few shops instead of takeaways would be better for the village."

Another mum, Charlotte Fury, also thinks the change would do the building some good.

The 26-year-old, from Menin Road, said: "The nearby homes, including mine, have had mice problems because of this derelict building.

"The plans will be good for the community especially as there have been rumours of takeaway units being included."

One woman, who did not wished to be named, agreed.

She said: "I don't object to the plans.

"Flats would definitely be better than the derelict building we've been looking at.

"I do think though that the possible plans for takeaways would be better as more flats.

"However, parking might be a challenge.

"I've lived in the area for 20 years and I still think flats would be more beneficial than a pub.

"It would help with the cost of living crisis."

Although the proposals seem to have been welcomed by the community, planning officers have recommended councillors turn it down.

A report to the committee says: "The proposal fails to provide developer contributions to specifically identified local infrastructure.

"These include healthcare, primary education, secondary education and land, community learning, libraries, youth services, social care, waste services, bin provision and highways.

"It would give rise to unacceptable harm which would outweigh the benefits of the proposal.

"The proposal would fail to represent sustainable development and granting planning permission would create a precedent."

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The planning committee met at 7pm last Thursday.

However, the applicant involved with the former Kemsley Arms withdrew the application from the planning committee agenda.