Concerned residents are calling for plans for a “gigantic” care home to be refused, claiming their town is fast becoming a “concrete jungle”.

Boutique Care Homes wants to replace a former convent in Rectory Road, Deal, with an 83-bed facility and eight retirement bungalows.

But residents say the Beech Court development is out of character for the area, will loom over neighbouring properties and cause parking problems, with cars “blighting” the already busy roads.

Sixty-eight letters of opposition to the scheme have been published on Dover District Council’s (DDC) planning portal, with one writer, Wendy Boorman, arguing: “Deal is fast becoming a concrete jungle.

“The proposal is totally inappropriate for this already built-up residential area and will have a huge negative impact.”

She says many elderly people, some in bad health, live behind the site in single-storey homes and would be overlooked by the building, which would impact their privacy and peace.

Some 37 parking places are planned, including one each for the bungalows, but Ms Boorman says this is not enough and believes staff and visitors will end up using on-street parking, resulting in an increase in traffic.

Andrew Hogben also raised concerns about congestion, telling the council: “Rectory Road is busy and includes at least four significant pinch points/high hazard areas for drivers.

“Parking on Rectory Road and surrounding streets is already at a level that presents a challenge for parking, safe driving, cycling and crossing the road.”

Stuart Donnelly said describing the building as “imposing” was an “understatement”.

He wrote: “[It’s] a gigantic, three-storey building which is completely out of character for the area and will completely change the quality of life for everyone in every direction close by.

“Coupled with the fact there's a measly amount of parking spaces for anyone visiting or working there... who'll be the ones who suffer?

“The neighbours of course, with overspills of cars blighting our already busy roads, with already limited parking and increasing the likelihood of accidents.”

Others agreed the care home is not the right fit for the area, with Sarah Alltoft writing: “While I do not object to a care home being built, I feel the size of the development is completely out of character.

“The care home will dominate the area. Adding bungalows in the grounds will lead to over-development of the site.”

Boutique Care Homes hopes to knock down the Sisters of Our Lady of the Missions convent, which went on the market last year for £3 million.

The site, which has almost four acres of land and just under 15,000 sq ft of accommodation, was occupied by just four nuns when it went up for sale. They have since moved out.

Kent County Council’s (KCC) highways department has raised no objections to the application provided conditions are met such as providing space for construction vehicles turning and loading and unloading.

And Boutique Cares Homes says it has gone beyond KCC’s parking requirements.

It adds that most care home residents would not drive and it hopes to provide jobs for local people so many staff would not rely on cars.

The site will include specialist dementia beds and facilities, as well as a hobby room, bistro, lawn, bowling green, and nature walk.

If planning permission is given work would start on the development next summer and the home would open by spring 2027. It would create more than 80 full-time jobs.

Several trees would be kept in the development and new ones would be planted.

Find out about planning applications that affect you by visiting the Public Notice Portal.

A spokesman for Boutique Cares Homes said “there is a growing need for care services in Deal”.

“This project allows local residents to remain in their beloved community while receiving exceptional support,” they said.

“We’ve worked closely with DDC to design a home that fits the site and respects the area’s character.

“This development is also about respecting the history of the site.

“The former sisters of the convent, who fully support our plans, have entrusted us with artefacts to create a peaceful memorial garden, honouring their legacy and keeping the site a cherished part of Deal’s community.”