Concerns have been raised over plans to convert a Maidstone office block into flats.

Plans put to Maidstone Borough Council this week reveal the seven-storey Medvale House tower block in Mote Road could be converted to provide up to 81 apartments.

The application has come just weeks after the town’s passport office, based in the building, permanently closed.

If approved, the tower block would provide seven studio apartments, along with 29 one-bedroom and 45 two-bedroom flats.

Denise Joy, councillor for High Street ward, said: “This kind of development is a bit of a double-edged sword, we have to consider the effect.

“Unfortunately we have got a lot of people in need of housing.

“We do need development, but I wouldn’t have chosen this location. It will have a knock on effect for things like parking and doctors’ surgeries.”

The proposal follows a series of applications and developments around the town, including neighbours Miller Heights, formerly Miller House, which was converted from offices into flats in 2016.

Two more former office blocks, Globe House and Star House have been converted to flats in Pudding Lane.

Mapeley Estates is proposing to match every unit with a bicycle space, while 55 car parking spaces would also be provided.

Cllr Joy added: “We don’t have the same control over things like parking as if it was a new build.

“The car parking issue is the first thing I would think about, there aren’t enough spaces for residents, there is already a car park in Mote Road, whether that would be enough is another thing.”

From outside, the building is expected to look the same, with the prior notification only outlining plans for the inside of the office block, which until December 9, was home to Maidstone Passport Office, until the Home Office decided to close of the interview centres nationwide.

It is understood seven people worked at the Maidstone branch.

A spokesperson from the Home Office said it was “committed to avoiding the need for redundancies and will be working with the teams affected and Union representatives to explore opportunities for redeployment in the local area.”

A preliminary report into contamination risks found asbestos in the building, but the report states there is a “limited potential for contamination”.

Mapeley Estates declined to comment, but did say any asbestos concerns would be addressed as part of construction work.

The proposal still needs approval from Maidstone Borough Council’s planning board, with no date currently set to discuss the plans.