PROPOSALS to create a visitor centre at the former home of Charles Dickens are proving to be something of a cliffhanger.

Plans to demolish Gad’s Hill School in Higham to erect a new junior and secondary school were submitted to Gravesham council in March last year.

Also within the application was the idea to convert the listed manor house, once Charles Dickens’ home, into a visitor centre on the lower ground and ground floor, with four self-contained one bedroom flats on first and second floors.

The proposal has now been sent to the Government Office for the South East, which may transfer it to a public enquiry or hand responsibility back to Gravesham council to decide.

At a recent council regulatory board meeting Cllr Pat Oakeshott spoke on behalf of Higham Parish Council following concerns from nearby residents in Providence Cottages, Crutches Lane.

She said: "It’s my duty to protect the residents of Higham. It’s purely about defending the cottages."

It is thought the proposed changes could cause loss of light to these properties.

The flats, proposed to be used for teaching staff, have also caused debate.

Cllr Oakeshott added: "The flats are a contentious issue, inviting visitors to see Charles Dickens’ house and shutting off two floors by way of four flats - it’s ridiculous."

Gads Hill head teacher David Craggs suggested the financial viability of the visitors centre could be guaranteed by providing it with income by the letting of the upper floors.

It is thought rent from the apartments would help to pay for heating, lighting, general maintenance, and the salaries of staff at the centre.

Some councillors have called for the whole building to be open to the public. But Mr Craggs said this would not guarantee visitor numbers would increase.

The Government Office has 21 days to make a decision. The application is expected to come back to the council’s regulatory board in March or April.