Nineteen new seafront homes on Romney Marsh are expected to be given the green light next week.

A proposal to convert Sandbanks Care Home, on the corner of St Andrew's Road and Coast Road, Littlestone, into 13 flats was unveiled earlier this year.

A new four-storey building is to be be erected in the grounds and contain six two-bed apartments - one less than the original plans suggested.

The care home will close and all guests moved into its sister site at Madeira Lodge.

More than 70 people have commented on the plans, with objections including fears over increased traffic, over development, noise, light pollution and impact on schools, GPs, and infrastructure.

Other concerns suggested that the new build would 'disrupt wind flow along the coast' and that it would be 'overbearing and out of scale with neighbouring properties'.

The scheme comes from applicant Leo Griggs, of Livingston Homes and of Alliance Building Company Contracts Ltd, who is also redeveloping the Royal Victoria Hospital in Folkestone into new homes.

Design work, including two CGIs of the proposed development, come from award-winning Hollaway architects - who are behind the plans to regenerate the run down Leas Pavilion in Folkestone.

Sandbanks, run by Belmont Healthcare, will be the second home to shut in the area in three years following the closure of Romney Cottage Residential Care Home, in Madeira Road, Littlestone.

Previously Belmont said that the sale of Sandbanks will help facilitate an expansion at Madeira Lodge.

The application is due to be discussed by members of Folkestone and Hythe District Council's planning committee at their meeting on Tuesday (December 15) night.

Planning officers have recommended the development for approval.

A report released ahead of the meeting states: "The proposed extension is of a traditional design that would sit comfortably within the context of the area without causing any significant harm to neighbouring amenity and would preserve the character of the neighbouring conservation area.

"While there has been a significant level of local objection the proposal is considered to meet local and national policy requirements, and to not give rise to any justifiable reasons for refusal.

"The application is therefore recommended for approval."

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