Plans to turn a run-down care home into a 47-bed home have met such a furious backlash that the developer admits they are likely to be snubbed.

More than 450 people have objected to the house in multiple occupation (HMO) earmarked for Sevington Mill in Willesborough.

One person says it would "absolutely destroy the whole area" while another claims it would create a "slum".

The building has sat empty since 2019 following negative reports from the Care Quality Commission.

New plans show the 47 en-suite rooms could be accompanied by two communal kitchens and just seven parking spaces.

But it has prompted fears from neighbours who feel increased numbers could put additional strain on services, parking - and lead to a rise in antisocial behaviour.

Such has been the negative reaction, that the developer has told KentOnline he would never have put the plans forward if he knew it would cause this much upset.

Highfield resident Sarah Strand, who has objected to the plans, said: "What are the people in those rooms going to do for recreation?

"There are two small kitchens for 47 tiny rooms and there is no obvious dedicated laundry.

"It won’t attract people with the slightest interest in the local community.

"The area is poorly lit, semi-hidden, and walkers might be intimidated by people milling around.

"It will be a strain on local doctors and facilities, and there will be increased litter and crime.

"This should be put to better use.

"It is the job of the council to protect and enhance the area it serves, not allow the creation of a slum of the future and crime hotspots."

Stephen Perham whose garden backs on to Sevington Lane says he was furious when he first heard the news.

The 54-year-old said: "For the past few months nothing appeared to be happening then this planning application for a HMO came in which we are absolutely livid about.

"It's a quiet area, families use it to walk to the retail park, it is used by the elderly and dog walkers.

"This would absolutely destroy the whole area - no-one will feel safe."

London developer Meir Goldberg is behind the scheme and has worked on similar projects in Maidstone, Ramsgate and Lewisham.

In 2021, before buying the property, he submitted plans to change the use of the building from a retirement home for the elderly, so that it can instead be used to provide any type of care.

This was approved and received no objections.

It meant he could start work on the facility to house people with "light care needs" such as mental health disorders.

Now upgrades are weeks from finishing, Mr Goldberg says he submitted the plans for the HMO as a back up, to open up the rooms to more people.

"The previous application was supported by two residents so before we submitted this application, we reached out to them about our plans and they were supportive," explained Mr Goldberg.

"After the application went in, it’s clear the locals would prefer that we stick to the current use which is a use of care that was granted in 2021.

"The HMO application would have allowed us to house a different type of tenant, but that is not something that is needed, it was an extra.

"It does not appear the new application will be granted so for now we are carrying on with the previous plans to tenant people who fit the criteria of care.

"In about six weeks we are hoping to have the site finished.

"It's important to us that locals are happy because that is the right way to do business."

Residents against the HMO have instead put forward the idea the building could be used as a 'stepdown unit' for patients leaving the William Harvey Hospital, less than two miles away, but are not well enough to go straight home.

Having heard the suggestion, Mr Goldberg said he is more than willing to consider this as it falls within the current use for care.

There are two other facilities like this in Tenterden and High Halden, but nothing in Ashford.

While the number of parking spaces is low, the documents say given the site's accessibility and the provision for 52 bicycles, it is considered "sufficient".

Objectors are backed by Rick Martin, chairman of Sevington with Finberry Parish Council, who has also raised concerns about the location.

He said: "We are aware of strong opposition from residents living in the immediate vicinity of the proposed HMO.

"We want to be really clear that we are not opposed to HMOs in general.

"HMOs can be an important first step on the housing ladder and provide an opportunity for many as a first place to live. They also have a role in providing week-time places to stay when people travel a long way from their main residence for work.

"However, we have concerns that this is not the right location for an HMO as there is not adequate local infrastructure and services in place to support it.

"The current plans detail providing seven parking spaces for 47 dwellings, which is completely inadequate and highly likely to have a detrimental impact on local parking and traffic.

"We are also mindful that the local Willsborough Health Centre is already over-stretched – many parishioners report struggling to get an appointment at a facility that was recently rated as ‘requiring improvement’ in terms of responding to patient needs.

"Will they be able to provide adequate primary care for the residents of 47 new dwellings nearby?

"It is the view of the parish council that it should remain a Class C2 property, given that there is a genuine need for good quality local retirement accommodation."

Cllr Dawnie Nilsson (Green), ward member for Highfield fears the development could lead to overcrowding, adding: “I have just as many concerns about this planning application as local residents, especially with regard to the access to the building, size of rooms, inadequate cooking facilities and local infrastructure.

"We know there is a lack of suitable and affordable housing in Ashford, and that needs addressing, however proper thought needs to be given to the location and the size of HMOs.

"Overcrowded houses can lead to stress and anxiety and are not good for people’s wellbeing.”