The first stage in a long-term plan to redevelop a dilapidated part of town have been put before a planning meeting.

The former Royal Mail sorting office site, in Sandling Road, Maidstone, has been jointly bought by Kent County Council (KCC) and Maidstone Borough Council (MBC).

Plans to regenerate the site, along with carrying out work at Maidstone East railway station, were revealed in August and first surfaced 13 years ago.

It would involve a mix of shopping space, homes, offices, increased parking.

Separately Network Rail and Southeastern announced they would tear down the derelict Victoria pub and build a public square in its place and revamp Maidstone East station’s entrance, with glass frontage.

But a masterplan for the Royal Mail site will not be in place for up to five years because the councils think it will take this long to secure retail interest.

So the details given to last night’s (Thursday’s) meeting showed how the authorities wish to use it in this time.

The former Royal Mail depot covers an area of just under 1.5 hectares, with buildings including a three storey masonry office building, two steel-framed warehouses, hardstanding yards and parking areas.

The temporary proposals would use the office building for local charities and a community meeting space. The larger warehouse and open areas would become a pay and display car park, offering 140 spaces for public use between 5am and midnight.

The second warehouse would be an office space, with the lower level providing parking for KCC staff working at nearby Sessions House and Invicta House.

On the draft local plan, currently being scrutinised by a government planning inspector, the Royal Mail and Maidstone East sites are allocated for development of up to 10,000m² of retail, and 210 dwellings.

The temporary use application is designed to allow the councils time to line up a retailer and draw up finalised plans.

No objections were submitted about the proposals by local residents or businesses, and the application was approved by 10 votes for and none against at last night's meeting.