A SIKH temple supposed to have been built by this spring is not expected to be finished until April next year.

The new Guru Nanak Gurdwara in Khalsa Avenue, Gravesend, is not only running behind schedule but changes to the original plans mean it is costing £11.5m instead of the original estimate of £9m.

Narinderjit Singh Thandi is the general secretary of the Gurdwara Management Committee, which is overseeing the move from the existing gurdwara in Clarence Place.

Mr Thandi says the delays are to be expected as features have been added to the original plans.

He said: "The increased costs and time delays are inevitable.

"Changes were made to the specification which allowed for an extra floor as well as marble coatings on the inside and outside of the building.

"Also, we are building a wall between the building and the railway line for extra security. But it will be worth the wait."

The committee, which owned the town's current gurdwara as well as the Guru Nanak Day Centre in The Grove, announced on May 14 it has sold both premises to a property developer.

Thamesview Living Ltd has bought the two buildings for a total of £3.1m and plans to build apartments on both sites.

It will submit a planning application to Gravesham Council later in the year.

Managing director Les Woollends said: "Our aim is to produce residential schemes which are in keeping with the character of the area but also meet with the approval of residents.

"It has been a pleasure to deal with the Sikh community, who have been very open and transparent in their dealings with us."

The president of the Gurdwara management committee, Jaspal Singh Dhesi, says the sale is good for everyone involved.

He said: "Our move to the new £11m Gurdwara in Khalsa Avenue will enable us to offer better quality services to Gravesend's 10,000 Sikhs.

"We have achieved best value in terms of price for our two buildings. The sale will bring in money to help fund the new building."