Ambitious plans for a £35 million retirement village in Herne Bay have been scrapped.

Developers had hoped to build 117 apartments for people aged over 55 on the former Christian holiday camp at Herne Bay Court in Canterbury Road.

But bosses at Bethel Retirement Villages have pulled the plug on the scheme this month, with the site now expected to be used for conventional housing.

Company spokesman Michael Taylor says residents who registered an interest in buying a property have been told to look elsewhere.

“The support we have received from the local community throughout the initial planning process and thereafter has been very positive,” he said.

“However, recent changes in the regional care market, including the type of care provision and the advent of new specialised care entrants to the local marketplace, have been contributing factors to the decision.”

The proposals were given planning permission by Canterbury City Council in December 2013, but construction work failed to start.

The site – which was due to feature a retirement village clubhouse, health centre and spa – has now been acquired by the Xiros Ltd company.

Mr Taylor added: “Further to discussions over the last few months with the local planning authorities and Kent County Council, Xiros Ltd has advised Bethel Retirement Villages of its intention to submit a new planning application to develop the site for residential housing, combined with the provision of extra care accommodation.

“On balance, this does not fit with Bethel Retirement Villages’ business model.

“Our goal is to develop bespoke retirement communities which focus on the health and wellbeing of residents, providing on-site leisure, wellness and care facilities and delivering high-quality lifestyle opportunities for the aspirational retired.”