An old NHS building could be turned into 24 flats if planners allow developers to add some extra floors.

Despite the extra homes, those behind the scheme have said there will be no parking spaces for residents at St Michael’s House in Sittingbourne.

Two applications were sent by Total Planning to Swale council on Thursday, November 14.

The London-based company is seeking approval from the authority so it can start the development.

One details the change of use from commercial, business and service to 14 flats.

The other is asking to increase the height of the building to create another 10 apartments.

It is currently three storeys high, with the developer proposing a further two be constructed on top of the existing building.

In the planning statement, the firm said: “Future residents will have a good residential amenity in terms of being safeguarded from excessive sources of commercial noise, or any risk of contamination or flooding.

“In addition, all habitable rooms/spaces will have adequate levels of natural light.

“The site is highly sustainable with excellent transport modes where essentially ‘car-free’ developments are encouraged.

“The proposal will be a car-free scheme in this town centre location.

“It will promote sustainable green modes of transport and it will not raise any highway safety concerns and it will reduce traffic and parking stress.”

The building in St Michael’s Road was converted from a training centre to an office in the late 1980s.

It was used by the NHS for many years - it is understood to have been used by Kent and Medway NHS and Social Care Partnership Trust (KMPT) - but has been empty for some time.

Total Planning states that parking spaces for homeowners aren’t needed, as the site is opposite the bus hub and close to the train station.

Sittingbourne Car Club is also being promoted, which has three pick-up points across town and allows users to rent a hybrid vehicle for the day.

Several car parks are nearby, with some offering monthly permits. Both residents and visitors to the building could use this if they wanted, the developer claims.

It adds: “Given the town centre location and access to public transport services, this is a location where reliance on the private motor vehicle is not necessary.”

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However, there will be one disabled parking spot available as well as a delivery bay on site.

A further 36 cycle spaces would also be provided.

“Given the town centre location and access to public transport services, this is a location where reliance on the private motor vehicle is not necessary.”

The planning statement goes on to say that the building is next to a Kwik Fit garage and Lang’s Bar & Cocktail Lounge.

The bar is closed Sunday to Thursday but is open from 6pm to 2am on Friday and Saturday.

The entrance to the venue faces away from the flats, and windows do not open towards it. The developers believe this should reduce any impact from noise.

The application is currently awaiting a decision from the council.