The regeneration of a former gas works into more than 100 flats has been approved.

Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council approved plans for 144 new apartments at the site of the former Tonbridge Gas Company on Thursday.

The development, by Blueberry Homes, will feature one, two and three-bedroom apartments across two buildings, along with space on the ground floor for retail, hospitality or office space.

The buildings will overlook the River Medway and also feature two roof gardens with timber seating, shrubbery and trees.

Plans for the flats follow the redevelopment of the west side of the gas works, which was turned into a residential development in 2005.

Architectural practice The Harris Partnership drew up the plans and, along with client Blueberry Homes, have been in talks with the council since 2019 over the site.

A series of public consultation were held, and the Tonbridge Historical Society were also involved during development of the plans.

The council said the development "would bring a raft of benefits for the immediate and wider community of Tonbridge”, adding: “the remediation of this contaminated site is welcomed, as is the increased public interaction with the site, its public realm contribution and the connectivity to the riverside walk, which will improve vitality and natural surveillance of the area”.

The council said the design of the development balanced a contemporary look with the area's industrial past, with its use of glazing, zinc cladding and brick banding.

In January 2020 Tonbridge and Malling council declined to give the site owner, SGN Ltd, permission to demolish the gasholders without knowing what would replace them.

Director of The Harris Partnership Ian Perrell said: “The existing site is heavily contaminated and in a poor condition. These plans present a once in a generation opportunity to not just transform the area but provide a catalyst for sustainable further development on the Medway and to unlock the riverfront.

“The designs we’ve created alongside Blueberry Homes were envisioned during the Covid-19 pandemic and look to create high quality living spaces with an abundance of natural light and space, with a strong emphasis on materiality and placemaking.

"The new public realm on the river front will create new vistas of Tonbridge Castle to the north west and provide a tranquil setting on the waterfront for the residents and public alike.

“We’ve sought to incorporate a wharf-style aesthetic which ensures that the apartments have a sense of identity and reflect the town’s historic characteristics.

“It was pleasing to note the council recognise the ‘high quality’ design and landscaping that will improve and enhance the character and appearance of the site and surrounding townscape, whilst contributing to the rejuvenation and regeneration of this part of Tonbridge.”

Scott Rigden at Blueberry Homes said: “We’re excited to bring forward this former industrial site and create much needed new homes for Tonbridge, whilst unlocking the riverfront.

"However, beyond this we’re proud that the designs created by The Harris Partnership bring together high levels of energy efficiency and sustainability whilst offering sympathetic styling which fits with the existing architectural form of the area."

The parties expect remediation to start in 2023, with the site fully developed by 2025.