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Plans have been submitted to redevelop a former private hospital and Victorian manor house into flats and townhouses.
Fawkham Manor Hospital in Longfield closed its doors to patients in June 2019 and has remained empty ever since.
A planning application has now been submitted with Sevenoaks council to bring the former BMI Healthcare facility in Manor Lane back into use.
It is proposed to convert the Victorian manor house and demolish the existing hospital wings to provide for 20 apartments and 12 townhouses.
Plans also factor in the redevelopment of various outbuildings, the addition of bike and bin stores and some tree removal and landscape works. No new access roads are proposed.
The Manor dates back to around 1860 and is not currently a listed building.
However, it is considered to be a "non-designated heritage asset" which holds historical and architectural value.
As such, measures are being taken in the application to preserve it which will be considered as part of the proposals.
Concerns have been raised by Fawkham residents with most centring on the perceived lack of suitable car parking spaces and inadequate road access.
One neighbour felt the plans were "very dangerous" and had the potential to create further hazards.
They said: "Lanes leading to the property are single lane, frequented by walkers, cyclists and horse riders.
"The size of this development will potentially add another 80 or more vehicle users to these very tight roads.
"In addition to the road size there are many sections with blind corners. I think it will make using the lanes, especially to non vehicle users, very dangerous."
"I think it is fabulous that the Victorian building is being kept and put to good use..."
Another neighbour felt the development was "too crammed" and said the existing infrastucture on Manor Lane would not be able to cope with the "added weight of traffic".
They said: "We object to the inadequate roads in and out of main parking area, as the current main road in and out is only wide enough for one car, with no passing points."
But other residents were largely in favour of the proposals which they said would provide new housing without detrimental impact to the local area.
They said: "I totally agree with the development plans. I think it is fabulous that the Victorian building is being kept and put to good use.
"The impact of the new additions seem minimal and the site is tucked away. I think this would be a fabulous place to live."
Fawkham Parish Council chairman Laura Evans said they were currently reviewing the documents and will submit their formal view once a meeting has taken place to discuss the proposals.
It is expected this will take place early next month, around September 7 or 8.
The decision to close the hospital was made after healthcare provider BMI deemed it was no longer "commercial viable to run".
Prior to this, it had provided for NHS-funded, insured and private patients, with 85 members of staff on the roll.
For further details of the application and to have your say click here .
