Plans for a six-storey block of flats with just seven parking spaces have been proposed for a disused town centre car park.

Proposals for 50 homes have been submitted to Swale Council for Brewers Yard, off St Michaels Road, Sittingbourne.

The former private parking area is between Bourne Place multi-storey and the town's Methodist Church.

There would be a mix of 38 one-bedroom and 12 two-bedroom apartments – 10% of which would be affordable homes.

It would be one of the tallest buildings in Sittingbourne and a heritage statement concedes it would "change the skyline appearance".

Other features include a 208sq m roof garden, a 211sq m courtyard garden and storage for 50 bicycles.

A major concern, however, is the proposed number of parking spaces, with just seven included.

Labour councillor, Ghlin Whelan, who serves Chalkwell, the ward in which the flats would be built, said: "I know there have been talks about this idea with the landowners for some time.

"I think it is an ideal place for housing, so in principle I agree with it.

"Making some of the flats affordable will be essential, however, the number of parking spaces isn't very good. Parking will be a problem, no doubt about it.

"The developers can't assume that because the homes will be in the town centre that people will get a train or bus. What if they work in Tonbridge or Maidstone?

"There isn't a solution because it isn't up to the council to provide free parking and they've just cut all the buses, so public transport isn't available.

"The developers really need to think the parking side through."

The outline application for up to 50 homes has been put forward by Black Office Holdings Ltd and Planning Works Ltd.

It has asked for full planning permission for access to the site, which for vehicles would be off St Michaels Road.

A Swale council spokesperson said: “We’ve received an application for outline planning permission for up to 50 homes in Sittingbourne.

“The site is currently a disused car park off St Michaels Road, between the Bourne Place multi-storey and Sittingbourne Methodist Church.

“Only the access of the overall development is for consideration at this stage. The layout, appearance, landscaping and scale are reserved for later consideration via separate application(s).

“We received the application two weeks ago and will need to fully assess the proposal against our planning policies.

“The deadline for determination is November 3.”

The developers say they hope the new building will contribute to the area and help support the vitality and viability of the town centre.

It has also been stated that the homes would help to meet the council’s objectives for new housing with access to shops, services, employment and public transport.

A heritage statement submitted with the plans says: "The conclusion of the report is the scheme will change the skyline appearance, however, that change will appear part of a modern townscape, which comprises a number of modern high rise buildings between the High Street and the railway line/station."