Plans for a “care village” in the countryside are back on the table despite being refused permisssion by the local planning authority.

Cloverdown Ltd wants to build an 87-bed care home, with two wings in a U-shape, plus a separate block of 13 assisted-living units at Sutton Valence.

Together they would accommodate 133 residents.

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

Forsham House itself would remain, but would share its existing access with the new development, which would be known as Cloverdown House.

The application was considered by Maidstone council back in April and was refused permission on a number of grounds: by reason of its “cramped layout” it would it would have an “urbanising” effect and be visually prominent and out of character with its rural location in the countryside.

It was in an unsustainable location with little scope for staff, visitors or residents to access by walking, cycling or public transport.

The developers had not shown that the project would result in a biodiversity net gain.

And the applicants had not submitted sufficient information about its surface water drainage strategy.

Cloverdown has since submitted the additional drainage details, and the company has also lodged an appeal with the Planning Inspectorate against the refusal.

A decision will now be made by a planning inspecter following a one-day online planning hearing to be held on Tuesday, February 27.

The inspectorate has taken the decision to make more use of virtual hearings in order to speed up the planning process.

Anyone who made a submission to the original application whether for or against, will have their remarks automatically passed on to the planning inspector.

If residents want to make an additional submission, they must do so before December 6.

Details of the application can be viewed here.

Search for application 23/500230.

To see more planning applications and other public notices for your area, visit publicnoticeportal.uk

The applicants argue that even if the project is contrary to the policies of the Maidstone Local Plan, the scheme should still be permitted because of the overwhelming need for more care homes for the elderly.

The scheme 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.

The company said the additional facilities would also be available to the general public.

The chosen site lies in an area designated as being of Local Landscape Value at the foot of the Greensand Ridge.

Previously Sutton Valence Parish Council had raised concerns about the pressure which having an additional 133 elderly people in the village might place on the local doctors' surgery.