Plans have been put forward for a 75-bed care home in a village.

Aspire LLP has asked for permission to build it in Borden, near Sittingbourne, to meet a “clear and growing unmet need” for care facilities.

The application for the complex off Borden Lane was submitted to Swale council last month.

In its application, it cites data from property consultants Carterwood saying that 750 care home beds are needed within a six-mile radius of the site by 2026, accounting for growth in the elderly population.

“These figures demonstrate a clear and growing unmet need for care home beds paces,” says the statement.

It continues: “This is not a proposal for either independent retirement living or supported retirement living.

“The average age of residents is anticipated to be 80-plus years old. Residents will not have cars.”

Under the outline designs, 30 car parking spaces for visitors and staff would be provided, as well as cycle storage.

“Residents will require and receive high levels of care within this purpose built home,” it adds.

“The number of people across the borough over the age of 85 is forecast to rise by 66% by 2035.”

It went on to say that the increase in the elderly population is higher in Swale than nationally and is rising at a faster rate than the national average.

The site also consists of grade two “very good” agricultural land, however, Aspire LLP argues this constitutes “a very small proportion of the extensive resources of such land in this part of Kent” and that the loss would “not be significant”.

“In respect of this land parcel, its area is limited in size and it is not currently in productive use,” it said.

Because of the size of the site, the developers say it will have “ample grounds for residents to enjoy and very good separation to adjoining residential properties”.

Given that the whole plot would not be used, Aspire LLP suggests that in future parts of it could be used to to build regular housing.

As it is an outline planning application, the exact size and design of the home will be dealt with at a later date in further detailed planning applications, but it is set to be two-storeys and H-shaped.

It is not known when Swale council’s planning committee will decide on the bid, but a decision deadline of November 5 has been set.