Proposals to tear down empty houses to make way for retirement apartments have been unveiled.

McCarthy Stone Retirement Lifestyles wants to demolish four homes in Beaumont Davy Close in Faversham so it can build a living complex for over-60s.

With a total of 40 one and two-bedroom apartments, the developer claims in papers submitted to Swale Borough Council that the development will provide an “attractive alternative” to those needing to adjust their lifestyles in old age.

“This type of development offers an attractive housing alternative for homeowners who might have previously considered moving to a more traditional type of care home scheme,” the document states.

“Not only can this particular model of one and two-bedroom accommodation achieve high levels of comfort, care, security and independent living for its owners, but it can also help release existing under-occupied local family-sized housing stock.

“Specialist housing for older people has a key role to play in an integrated health and social care system, where the system prioritises preventative care and speeds recovery to independence.

The statement goes on: “The four houses currently located on the site are of poor quality and desirability, further exaggerated by the new development of 300-plus homes on the neighbouring site.

“It is anticipated that the majority of homeowners in age-exclusive accommodation will originate from the local area, choosing to remain part of their community and enjoy peace of mind.

“The proposal will allow local residents the opportunity to downsize and relocate into a ‘retirement community’.”

Each unit would come with a bathroom, kitchen, and open-plan living/dining room alongside access to either a patio – for ground floor residents – a balcony or a Juliet balcony.

The facility would also have communal facilities such as a residents’ lounge, mobility scooter store, and landscaped gardens – all overseen by a full-time site manager.

Twenty-two of the apartments would be one-bedroom while the other 18 would have two bedrooms.

While anyone may purchase an apartment, the units must be occupied by people over the age of 60.

It is not yet known how many jobs will become available – with only the on-site manager role being referred to so far – nor is there a timeline or cost attached to the project yet.

However, in supporting documents from planning consultants, references are made to 50 people directly employed during construction and 17 jobs created in a typical extra care development.

The properties on the plot, which sits between The Abbey School and A251 Ashford Road, were built in the 1990s to serve fire personnel working at the nearby station and have been vacant since 2016.

The fire station will not be affected by the plans – with new access routes to be implemented.

McCarthy Stone currently operates 475 retirement developments across the UK and its retirement properties are home to more than 20,000 people.