A pub on Swanscombe High Street that was boarded up in April could be knocked down and turned into flats if plans are approved.

The owners of the site have submitted a proposal to build 13 micro-flats in an apartment block with shared facilities and a communal area where The Alma pub currently stands.

A micro-flat is defined as a self-contained, one-room apartment that holds a bed, a living area, a bathroom and a kitchenette. It is usually between 14 and 32 square metres in size.

The block proposed will also offer a gym and a communal laundry room.

Landowners claim the flats would be ideal for single people, commuters and people looking to downsize.

Citing "a desperate shortage of housing" which is particularly acute in the south-east of England, the landowners argue a block of flats will "contribute to the local economy."

Currently, the block does not offer parking for residents of the flats, due to the site being located close to train stations.

According to the proposal, the site of The Alma is "not required as a public house commercially nor as a community asset," because there are two other pubs nearby.

It adds The Alma was "a problem pub," and it was banned from operating as a pub after it surrendered its trading license.

The new building plans proposed are described as of "high quality design and materials" in comparison to the pub currently onsite, which "lacks visual coherence and suitable presence in the street."

People are being invited to give their comments about the application on the council's planning website.

One Swanscombe resident, Helen Hawkes, registered her objection to the proposal.

Her comment read: "This is another part of Swanscombe history which is wanting to be removed.

"We don't need any more housing because we have more than enough residents as it is."

The planning reference for this proposal is: DA/18/01002/OUT