A car-free residential scheme has been given the go ahead by a local council.

The six-storey building is the first car-free block of flats to be built in Medway.

It will sit next to Rochester railway station in Corporation Street, housing 64 flats and two shops – although there will no parking spaces provided for residents.

Leander Homes Limited says there is a market for such properties in the Towns, especially among young people who commute locally or further afield.

Medway Council’s head of planning Dave Harris explained: “This is probably the most sustainable site we’ve got considering you’ve got the retail on the ground flood, the station next door, a bus service in front of it, and the high street immediately opposite.

“They are confident there is a demand from people who can’t afford a car or simply don’t want a car every day, and they want to spend their money on other things.”

Limited car parking will be provided for disabled residents, while there will be some spaces for those visiting the retail units.

A “car club” rental scheme will also be available on site.

Although the application was unanimously supported by the council’s planning committee, concerns were expressed about prospective residents “creatively” finding parking spaces elsewhere.

Cllr Stuart Tranter (Con) said: “I really want to see this work because the fewer people bringing cars into the centre of Rochester or anywhere in Medway is clearly better.

“I’m realistic that out of 64 residential units, there will be some people – despite everything – who will have a car or purchase one of their own and find somewhere to park it.”

Issues were also raised about the building including no affordable housing, with the applicant agreeing to give the council £400,000 to provide them elsewhere.

The City of Rochester Society objected on the grounds the building would “present a jarring note as the backdrop for Rochester’s fine array of historic buildings”, but councillors were unconvinced.

Cllr Glyn Griffiths (Lab) concluded: “If this site was to go forward and it doesn’t work there, then I think we can be pretty certain it won’t work anywhere else.

“You’ve got to take the plunge at some time, and this is probably it.”