Plans have been announced to replace mental health facilities in Maidstone with 44 homes.

Kent and Medway NHS and Social Care Partnership Trust has applied for outline permission to demolish its Kingswood building and car park at the top of Union Street and build 37 two-bed flats and seven three-bed houses in its place.

The facility, which is next to the Queen Anne pub, has been deemed surplus to requirements and it is hoped permission can be granted before the trust sell the 0.5 hectare site.

Services at the centre, which is home to the Community Mental Health Team and a rehabilitation unit, began moving to a new medical facility at Albion Place in Sittingbourne Road today.

The NHS has confirmed no medical care will be lost as a result of the move.

A KMPT spokesman said: “The car parking at Union Street will continue to be available until the building is sold. Alternative parking is available at Albion Place, and additional parking is being made available locally in addition to staff being encouraged to utilise Maidstone’s park and ride facilities unless they require a car to perform their roles.”

However, Maidstone's park and ride suffered a blow this week, with the council announcing its Sittingbourne Road bus — the service nearest Albion Place — would cease to operate in the New Year.

Following moves earlier this month Albion Place is already home to St Luke’s Medical Centre and the Marsham Street surgery, which between them cater for 13,000 patients, as well as mental health services previously provided at The Courtyard in Pudding Lane.

The Courtyard continues to operate in a limited role.

A spokesman for KMPT confirmed both facilities were in poor condition and the moves are a step towards integrated services in Maidstone.

To view the application in full click here.