Residents have slammed plans to build a four-storey retirement complex on a former bowling green as "scandalous" and "horrific".

But others think the proposals put forward by developers McCarthy Stone at Gravesend Rugby Football Club's (GRFC) former bowls club is a "good thing".

It plans to demolish the existing bowls pavilion, in Church Walk, Gravesend – which closed in 2020 – to make way for a four-storey building with 62 flats.

The planning statement submitted to Gravesham council said the "extra care" concept enables residents to buy care packages to suit their needs which can change over time.

According to the document, the complex will have 33 one-bedroom and 29 two-bedroom units with a bathroom and kitchen for people over 70.

But neighbours have raised concerns over parking, increased traffic and the loss of green space.

Former member of GRFC bowls club Michael Charles said: "I am going to object to it and I hope other people will be. I said I would always oppose it because I thought it was scandalous.

"While there may be a need for specialist retirement accommodation, I can see no justification for building it on one of the few green spaces we have left in the town.

Mr Charles, 82, says various sports grounds and green spaces have already been built on and those left are "very precious" and "we should fight to save them".

"I am not saying it should be a bowls club but it could be used for another sport or as a green space," he explained.

"We know that green spaces are good for our health and well-being and yet we seem to be hell-bent on building over every last blade of grass."

The Milton Hall Road resident also raised concerns over the scheme's environmental impact amid fears it would bring further congestion.

He added: "At present there is a green corridor stretching from Parrock Road down to Milton Church.

"A block of flats at the bottom end would not only destroy a beautiful view but would also increase traffic congestion and pollution in nearby Milton Road.

"It is horrific what they are planning. It is up to us to campaign to stop it. I hope that this planning application will be rejected and McCarthy Stone told to think again."

McCarthy Stone, which says it is the UK's leading retirement home developer, held a public consultation last year.

It said half of the feedback was positive with a quarter of responses objecting to the proposals.

The design and access statement submitted to the council stated concerns were raised over the location as it will be near a main road.

It also said some people felt the development would create a dangerous corner off Ellerslie although new vehicle access has been drawn up.

A resident of Copper Beech Close, who did not wish to be named, said the junction was already "really dangerous when it is busy".

They added: "There is not room for any more traffic. Parking around here is already a pain. It is only going to get worse with more people in the area."

Another added: "As an old girl myself I should be very happy about it but I do not like the idea. You do feel selfish though.

"I have mixed feelings, I would rather it was not there but you realise that is what life is like now."

But not everyone is opposed to the plans and some have welcomed it as a "good thing".

Mum Emma Apps, of Milton Road, said her only worry was where workers will park when work is under way, if approved.

The 31-year-old added: "It is already really busy out here and they are all commuters. It is an issue without the added people that would be working there while it is built.

"Apart from that, I do not have any other issues. I am not really against it. I am sure it will be a good thing."

The rugby club took the decision to shut the bowling green following discussions with the landowners over financial struggles.

It caused a dispute between members who, at the time, said they felt "stabbed in the back" and disappointed over the way they had been treated.

According to McCarthy Stone, the sale will allow the rugby club to invest money in new floodlighting, drainage and levelling the pitches to increase the number of matches played.

A spokesman added: "Gravesend Rugby Club is also looking at various clubhouse improvements, as well as supporting facility enhancements for the wide range of sports offered on site, such as cricket, tennis, pétanque and hockey.

"This investment will help to safeguard the future of the club in the current economic environment for many years to come, which will benefit the local community."

You can view the planning application in full here. Further information is available on the project's website or by contacting 0800 298 7040.

A decision is expected on the application by March 20.