by Hayley Robinson

Putting new life into an unloved place.

That’s how Les Cullen described his planning application to convert a warehouse into communal housing aimed at young single people.

He was speaking before members of Swale council’s planning committee when they met at Swale House, East Street, Sittingbourne, on Thursday night.

Work has already begun to transform the building at 2-4 William Street, Sittingbourne, into five bedrooms upstairs with a reception/bedroom created on the ground floor in a former garage.

The proposal also includes a bin store, bike stand, access and a wall to the front. No on-site parking is proposed.

Mr Cullen said the lower end of William Street was not appealing and the building had been a target for vandals and drinking.

But he explained how 150 yards away is the new Morrisons store on Mill Way which he described as "new life".

He said: "It was always clear it should be residential and the obvious choice based on cost is multiple occupation."

One letter of support was received along with another making general observations.

Cllr Ghlin Whelan (Lab) raised concerns about parking.

There is double yellow lines in front of the property and parking bays on the opposite side of the road.

The area also forms part of the Sittingbourne residents’ parking scheme where on-street stopping is limited for non-residents to one hour.

Street residents are eligible to purchase a parking permit at a current cost of £40 per year.

He believed the plans should have been for four bedrooms and two parking spaces.

Cllr Alan Willicombe (Con) thought it was a good development but agreed there could be parking issues.

However, he stated that if local people rented the rooms they may not drive.

He said: "It will be good affordable housing for people and I think it’s a good use of the space and will give housing to quite a few people."

A decision was deferred to a later date so officers can talk to the applicant in more detail.