Plans have been put forward to build 30 new homes, alongside accommodation for nurses, at the site of the Demelza Hospice Care for Children, near Sittingbourne.

Longfield-based Esquire Developments and Demelza are behind the proposals for the site at Hill Farm on land opposite the hospice in Bobbing.

Demelza provides specialist care and emotional support for children with serious or terminal conditions and their loved ones.

The plans would include nursing accommodation, a wheelchair-friendly parking area for up to 80 vehicles, alongside 30 two to five-bedroom homes.

The single-storey nurses facility will be built and handed over to the charity by Esquire Developments.

Improvements would also be made to road safety at the junction between Keycol Hill and Rook Lane.

Lavinia Jarrett, deputy chief executive at Demelza, said: “While the demand for our vital care is increasing, there is a national shortage of specialist end-of-life nurses. The situation is compounded by the lack of affordable rental accommodation in the area, meaning we often lose candidates to other hospitals elsewhere in London and the South East, where accommodation can be more easily provided.

“This new staff accommodation is vital to our work caring for over 750 children and their families each year.”

The proposed site was the subject of a successful 2018 planning application and approval for 20 new homes - but the homes never built.

David Braddon, director at Esquire Developments, said: “Our proposals will deliver the nurses accommodation, improve local road safety and deliver a small development of high-quality new homes in Bobbing, which will help meet wider housing needs for Swale."

Following a highways and transport study, it is proposed to realign Rook Lane to improve the junction with Keycol Hill.

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