Plans have been submitted to construct an £8.4m housing complex for "older living".

The proposal from Churchill Retirement Living would create a T-shaped block in Larkfield containing 32 flats that would only be sold to those over 65.

The 0.29 hectare site is currently occupied by two residential homes, one of which includes and on-site printing business. They would be demolished along with existing conservatories and outbuildings.

The flats will be around £325,000 for a one bed and £425,000 for a two-bed.

The land at 154 and 156 New Hythe Lane lies immediately below the Larkfield and East Malling Parish Council offices and is 100m south of the M20.

The company says there is a large demand for older living accommodation in Tonbridge and Malling, with figures from the Office of National Statistics projecting that by 2043, the borough will have 37,365 people over 65 – that's a quarter of the population.

The older living block would consist of 21 one-bedroom properties and 11 two-bed apartments. There would be a communal lounge and gardens, and on-site living accommodation for a lodge manager, who would offer day-to-day support to residents.

Churchill Retirement Living said that although the homes would be for over-65s, experience from its many other sites suggested that the average age of the occupants would be 79.

The residents are described in the application as likely to be "basket shoppers" with a low need for car ownership.

That is why the firm is providing only 11 parking spaces.

It points out that there is Morrisons store plus the shops and doctors' surgery at Martin Square only 450m away.

It also says the site has "excellent public transport" links, with bus stops for the No71 bus in New Hythe Lane, and New Hythe Station just 2km away.

If permission is granted, NHS Kent and Medway has asked that the developer provides £18,504 towards expanding provision at one of the three local doctors surgeries: either Thornhills Medical Practice, Aylesford Medical Centre or the West Malling Group Practice, while warning that there is currently limited capacity at all three.

Churchill carried out a public consultation on its proposals back in September, writing to 330 local properties.

The company received only eight responses, but said six had been in favour.

Details of the application can be viewed on the TMBC website here.

The application number is 22/02547.