There are plans to build a 100-unit care centre in Sutton Valence.

The scheme would consist of an 87-bed care home, built with two wings in a U-shape, plus a separate block of 13 assisted living units, and together could accommodate 133 residents.

The chosen site is in the grounds of Forsham House, in Forsham Lane, which leads on to the A274 Headcorn Road.

Forsham House itself would remain and would keep an area of garden, but would share its existing access with the new development, which would be known as Cloverdown House.

Cloverdown Ltd is the company behind the project, which would stretch across 2.2 acres to the south of Forsham House and include a restaurant, spa, gym, library, cinema room, hair salon and EV supercharge points.

These additional facilities would also be available to the general public.

One wing of the care home would be three-storeys high, the other two blocks would both be two storeys.

Parking will be provided in several locations across the site, but principally in an underground car park. In total there would be 42 parking spaces.

Each wing of the care home will have a residents’ video cubicle, which can be used to connect with family members and friends outside the home – something which applicants say "has become increasingly obvious is a modern requirement in care homes when pandemics or other measures could require residents to isolate."

There is likely to be up to 20 staff on site at any one time.

There are problems with the application.

It is located outside the Sutton Valence settlement boundary and is an area designated as being of Local Landscape Value (LLV). There is water course adjoining the site and frequent flooding in the roads nearby.

'Sutton Valence does not have the facilities to support this'

Sutton Valence Parish Council has objected to the the scheme, concerned that it will be intrusive and "clearly visible from the Greensand Ridge."

It is also concerned about the extra traffic generation on the already busy A274 and about the proximity of the development to neighbouring cottages - only 10m away at the closest point.

The council added: "There appears to be no mention of having a resident doctor in the care home. With 100 residents needing extra care, we are concerned about the pressure on the local doctors' surgery."

It concluded: "We feel that this development is too large and we feel that Sutton Valence does not have the facilities to support this."

Nearby Chart Sutton Parish Council on the other hand has recommended the scheme be approved.

Maidstone council has so far received objection letters from four private residents.

The application can be viewed on Maidstone council's website, reference number 21/506642.