Residents living opposite land where a 67-bedroom care home is proposed say the road cannot cope with the extra traffic the development would create.

Put forward by Aspire LLP and Fernham Homes Ltd which are calling for approval “without delay", the house would be built on land in Love Lane, Faversham.

This proposal is part of a wider hybrid development which has already received outline planning consent for 154 homes, three commercial units, a day nursery and sports provision.

The latest application includes specific details relating to the access, landscaping and appearance of the care home.

But it has sparked fears of increased traffic on an already busy and “dangerous” road.

Mary and Buster Brown have lived together in Love Lane since 1997. The pair have branded the road as dangerous saying something needs to be done to slow traffic down if the plans are given the go-ahead.

“I know it’s not down to developers but there’s not much thought going into it from them when it comes to the state of the highway,” Mrs Brown says.

“This road cannot take any more traffic than it takes now. The lorries are getting bigger, and the speed limit along this road is 40mph, it’s too high.

“We have campaigned for years to try to get this road at a lower speed limit – it’s exasperating. I think the speed limit is going to have to be 20mph like Whitstable Road because it will be busier.

“To think you’re going to have a care home over there, and fair enough we always need them, but there are going to be visitors, supplies taken there, that’s more traffic.”

The 73-year-old also raised concerns over the bridge being unable to cope with more traffic.

“The bridge may also need widening, it’s a major thing to do but if they’re thinking of having as many houses as they’re saying and light industrial, it needs to be done,” she said.

“We’ve seen cars almost take off going over that bridge. It’s also a Victorian bridge, we don’t think it can cope with the extra traffic.”

Mr Brown, 72, added the development will be on a piece of good land which could be used for growing produce.

“It’s gobbling up a good ground for growing,” he said.

“We really, really need it. There’s going to become a time when there is no land left – you see it all around the south east – massive developments going up on land which was farmland.”

Neighbour Pauline Clark has lived in Love Lane for 23 years and fears the wildlife living at the site of the proposed development will be lost if building begins.

“The main problem I’ve got with it is the lack of space for wildlife,” she said.

“It’s a wildlife haven over there. Just because you can’t see them, doesn't mean to say they're not there. There are slow worms, foxes, insects, and butterflies.”

There is a public footpath running through the land and Mrs Clark says the development could get in the way of people being able to use it and enjoy nature.

“It’s a really lovely area for walking and getting a breath of fresh air,” she says.

The 70-year-old also raised concerns about the location of the current pedestrian crossing and the fact there is not one near the bus stop.

“People coming around from Whitstable Road can’t see the crossing. One person has already been killed on that road, it’s dangerous,” she said.

“I’ve been here 23 years and I’ve seen at least 12 mothers with their children scared stiff crossing the road to the bus stop.

“There will be more traffic and new access points so I dread to think what the road will be like if it’s approved. The bridges won’t cope either, they are not strong enough to take the extra traffic.”

Another resident, who wished to remain anonymous, said it would put a strain on services adding doctors' appointments could become harder to get.

Developers say the proposed “high-quality development” would bring “multiple benefits” to the area in its design and offering to residents adding the site will also provide jobs in a “sustainable location”.

“In summary the scheme provides a high-quality, sustainable design solution, responding in a positive manner to the key objections of the national planning policy framework,” planning documents say.

“It is therefore respectfully requested that this application is approved without delay.

“The proposed design is carefully considered to ensure minimal impact on surrounding infrastructure, properties and amenities while creating an inviting, bright and modern home which its residents will enjoy.

“The proposed building and landscaping will benefit the wider area and be a welcome improvement to the empty land.

“The care home is designed as part of the wider scheme satisfying the need for a variety of residential accommodation.”

A spokesperson for Aspire added the site is allocated for development in Swale Borough Council’s local plan and the care home already has outline planning consent “confirming the acceptability of the care home on this site”.

“The Transport Assessment submitted with the outline application assumed a care home of up to 80 beds and demonstrated that traffic movements would not have an unacceptable impact, with the highway authority confirming as such in their comments on the application,” they said.

“The reserved matters application comprises 67 beds only, therefore bringing a reduction in traffic movements from that already confirmed as acceptable.

“Wildlife and biodiversity assessments submitted with the outline application confirmed the development will deliver a net gain in biodiversity, with Kent County Council Ecological Advice Service confirming the findings in their comments on the application.

“The submitted landscape plan includes native wildflower meadow, shrub, hedge and tree planting to not only support wildlife but also provide a pleasant garden area for future residents of the home.”