Plans to convert a Romney Marsh care home into 19 new flats overlooking the sea have been refused.

The application sought permission to turn Sandbanks Care Home, on the corner of St Andrew's Road and Coast Road, in Littlestone, into 13 one and two bed apartments.

A four-storey building was also proposed to be erected in the grounds, containing a further six two-bed flats.

Previously, 84 objections to the project had been submitted, ranging from fears over increased traffic, over-development, noise, light pollution and impact on schools, GPs and infrastructure.

The sale of the care home would have made an extension at nearby Madeira Lodge possible, said owner Belmont, and all current residents would move there.

But the ambitious application was rejected by members of Folkestone and Hythe District Council (FHDC) at their planning meeting on Tuesday night, despite officers recommending it for approval.

Councillors raised concerns about the loss of care home beds which would result from the development going ahead.

This is because the extension at Madeira would be adding only an additional 14 bedrooms, where 25 would be lost at Sandbanks.

Another Littlestone care home, Romney Cottage Residential Care Home, has also shut in the last three years.

Officers from the council did advise that the current provisions at Sandbanks do not meet modern standards set out by Kent County Council, including the bedrooms being too small, and said it was not capable of accepting new residents.

Other fears raised included increased traffic and noise, and concerns over parking.

Developer Leo Griggs, of Livingston Homes and of Alliance Building Company Contracts Ltd, who is also redeveloping the former Royal Victoria Hospital, made a statement during the virtual meeting in which he said it was important that not all new build housing is focused in Folkestone.

Cllr Jenny Hollingsbee (Con) also asked: "If this doesn't go ahead, what are we going to be left with?"

The application was refused with six votes to five.

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