Protesters object to tower block

The Heritage Quarter of Gravesend includes a modern shopping piazza

Campaigners from a Kent town have protested outside the London offices of a property developer over proposals to build a 34-storey tower block.

Edinburgh House Estates wants to build 230 flats in the Heritage Quarter of Gravesend as part of a multi-million-pound regeneration scheme.

But the plan has attracted criticism, with about 7,000 people signing a petition against it.

No-one at Edinburgh House was available to comment.

Campaigner Roger Gow said the protesters were determined to stop the proposals going ahead.

"We want Gravesend to be regenerated but this scheme has to be withdrawn and the developer and the council need to start again," he said.

"You really couldn't pick a worse scheme for Gravesend - it will ruin the character entirely.

"It is right in the middle of the conservation area of the town, right by the river.

"We feel that whatever happens there should be in keeping."