A proposal to build a block of town centre flats has been turned down after claims the property would be too tall.

Revised plans were submitted to Swale council for a four-storey residential block behind Station Street in Sittingbourne in November, on land previously used for car parking.

Last year a proposal went in for five apartments in Pembury Street, close to the Wetherspoon pub The Golden Hope and Lidl supermarket.

However, pre-application advice suggested the site would be more suitable with one less home.

The plans were therefore re-designed to have an apartment on each floor of the four-storey building.

They were described by developers as "ideal starter homes" for potential buyers.

Yet a revised application for the 2,000sq m site, put forward by applicant Project Halo in November, has also been refused.

The building would have been behind The Light cinema and in front of Station Cafe.

Swale council case officer Rebecca Corrigan noted: "Due to the rearward projection and height beyond the adjacent building line, the proposal would result in a loss of residential amenity to the occupants of Kember Place by virtue of a loss of light and overshadowing.

"The proposed development, by virtue of its internal layout and its close relationship with 17 Station Street, would result in mutual overlooking and lack of privacy for both future occupants of the development, and existing occupants "

The refusal documents also acknowledged the property would have created possible disturbance to the Swale Special Protection Area (SPA).

Yet no mitigation was provided by way of a financial contribution to the Thames, Medway and Swale Strategic Access Management and Monitoring Strategy (SAMMS).

Due to the "substantial changes" required for approval, developers have been told a new planning application would be required for any future homes at the site.

The proposal comes as planners consider a separate application to add 32 flats to Pembury Street.

Developers want to take the total number of homes at Pembury Court to 70 from its current 38.