More details have been revealed about plans for sprawling new care facilities in a Kent village amid a “critical” need for housing for the elderly.

The massive project, on a site the size of 12 football pitches off Heath Road, in Linton, near Maidstone. is the work of four different firms - Heart of Kent Hospice, Aspire LPP, Coral Living and Stonebond.

As part of the plans, the Heart of Kent Hospice in Aylesford will relocate to purpose-built premises.

In planning documents submitted by DHA Design on behalf of the applicants, it states: “While the increase in the ageing population has been clear for decades, there has been a significant shortfall in the delivery of new care provision.

“Maidstone has seen a steady decline in small independent care homes over the past five years, with the construction of new accommodation failing to keep pace.

“The need to provide housing for older people is therefore critical.”

The complex will consist of a 73 unit care home by Aspire, a 14 unit supported living block for autistic adults by Coral Living, a new 12-bed Heart of Kent Hospice, and up to 70 affordable bungalows for the elderly from Stonebond.

The land for the car park is both next to and behind the existing Greensand Health Centre.

Hospice chief executive Rachel Street recently told KentOnline of their plans to move: “Our current building was purpose-built in 1991, but since then the design of hospices has moved on.

“Our building has been added to, tweaked and changed over the years, which is not ideal, and really no longer offers the space that we need.”

The developers are applying for full permission for the care home and the supported living facilities, and outline planning permission for the hospice and bungalows.

This means that the details of the size, design, and layout of the hospice and bungalows will be dealt with through later planning applications.

The 73 unit care home will provide nursing care, residential care and dementia care, according to the plans.

“Communal rooms will be provided, including activity rooms, lounges, hairdressers, a café, a cinema room, dining rooms, and quiet rooms,” the appliaction states.

Coral Living’s block will be: “Specifically designed to meet the life-long needs of those with autism and/or learning disabilities.

“The units are designed to make it easier for adults with care and support needs to live independently and lead the fullest lives possible.”

Stonebond are planning for up to 70 bungalows for the elderly at the site - all of which will be earmarked as affordable homes.

The estate will provide “a good quality environment that will enable older people to maintain their independence for longer within suitable dwellings”.

It is not yet known when Maidstone council’s planning committee will decide on the plans, but an internal deadline of February 21, 2024 has been set.

No comments on the bid have been lodged online yet.