Plans to build 520 homes on a former quarry have been submitted to the council.

If approved, the Aylesford Lakes development would see hundreds of houses and flats for older people built alongside apartments for carers at the former Aylesford quarry.

A new building for Kent Scouts and a central hub would also be built on the site between Rochester Road and Bull Lane.

In total, 470 homes are being proposed for people above the age of 55 as well as as 70 affordable "key worker" homes for employees of the later living community.

It also hopes to include a lakeside café, walkway, bowling green, fresh-water swimming area, amphitheatre and floating stage, as well as nature and woodland trails.

Planning documents on Tonbridge and Malling council's website outline the plans from Aylesford Heritage Limited and Harris Irwin Architects.

A design statement said: "From the outset of the project it has been clear that Aylesford Lakes presented an opportunity to create a special, sustainable and unique community, one both connected to Aylesford and at a slight remove.

"It is a highly fortuitous to find a large development site, so close to a historic settlement which will not impact the charm of the existing environment.

"While the built form will not impact the village, it has been important to marry this physical opportunity with a use which will harmonise and benefit the village ensuring the least possible harm to residents' quality of life and maximise the chances to improve the village."

However, some residents are already concerned about the effect the development could have on the infrastructure in Aylesford and Eccles.

Christopher White commented: "Let's be honest, the fight is lost. Eccles will be buried under concrete, traffic will be awful, Aylesford will follow."

While Katherine Nunney said: "This area is already over developed. No bus service and the doctors is already struggling.

'Let's be honest, the fight is lost. Eccles will be buried under concrete, traffic will be awful, Aylesford will follow'

"The village already has a problem with flooding and the WiFi is rubbish. Also the road gridlocks with monotonous regularity and that's only some of the problems."

One Station Road resident objecting to the plans online wrote: "There definitely isn't the capacity in Aylesford to accommodate so many more houses and flats - especially ones like this meant for the elderly.

"Our GP surgeries and dentists are already over subscribed, it is impossible to get appointments for both.

"The streets are filled with cars and we already have the huge distribution plant being built further up Station Road which will bring hundreds more people and polluting vehicles in the area.

"People move to Aylesford for a quiet countryside life and this is slowly being chipped away."

While another person, from Sycamore Drive, added: "Aylesford does not have the infrastructure for a development like this."

A third person from the village fumed: "Aylesford village grinds to a halt with all the existing traffic. This plan has no improvements to road or public transport in the area.

"Doctors are unable to cope with with Royal British Legion Village and existing patient catchment.

"The development will also bring 80 families plus school children. What bit of this plan is a good idea?"

You can view the plans on the council's planning portal, with reference 22/01909/OA.

Tonbridge and Malling council leader Matt Boughton shared the plans on his social media.

He added: "Now is our opportunity to comment and share thoughts about a huge redevelopment at Aylesford Lakes.

"It is certainly something very different being a dedicated later living community on the doorstep of Aylesford village."