A former high street bank could be turned into a 17-bed house of multiple occupancy (HMO), if plans are approved.

Proposals to convert the vacant NatWest building in Gillingham have been sent to Medway Council.

The bank closed last June, explaining that counter transactions at the branch decreased by 41% between 2017 and 2019.

If given the green light, part of the building would be used for 17 studio flats, while the bottom floor would be retained for retail use.

Cycle parking and refuse storage facilities are also part of the plans for the site.

A design statement sent to the local authority from the applicant’s planning agent said: “My client is intending to apply for planning permission for residential units for the rear of the ground and the upper floors.

“This will make the ground floor front units more attractive as they will be of a smaller more manageable size for ingoing tenants and attract attention from the independents.

“At the same time the remainder of the building can be brought back to life as residential accommodation providing the town centre with much needed housing.”

The applicant, Mr Keckes, of Mile Property Group, believes there will a number of benefits from the project, including finding a use for a “dilapidated” building, restoring the front of a high street site, contributing to the regeneration of the high street and creating homes on brownfield sites rather than greenfield ones.

A design statement for the plans concluded: “In summary the proposals would not result in a significant change to the external appearance of the property. The proposal will bring the vacant derelict building back into a viable use.

“The project would not therefore have a detrimental effect on the character or setting of the area and the use is considered to maintain the area's role, functioning, vitality and viability and does not result in the loss of existing residential accommodation or a use important to the community. It does not lead to a loss of residential amenity.”

You can view the plans on Medway Council’s planning portal here.

Use reference MC/23/1805 to see all the plans.