Work is finally underway to demolish two detached houses and replace them with a 64-bed care home labelled “an office block on a business park”.

Development company Aspire-LPP submitted a proposal to Ashford Borough Council (ABC) for the project back in June 2021.

The facility in St Michaels, off the A28 near Tenterden, was then approved by the local authority five months later.

It will now see two homes - Kent House & Little Dawbourne - make way on the brownfield plot, which is also just 100 metres from an existing care home, Acacia House.

The 1.6-acre facility will be named Stonebridge Manor and will be operated by Barchester Healthcare when it opens which is due next year.

Construction got underway this week, which, once complete, will provide personalised residential, dementia and respite care for the elderly in Tenterden and the surrounding areas.

It will also provide a dedicated life enrichment programme, which includes a choice of daily activities for residents to continue enjoying their hobbies.

Users will also have access to a cafe, spa bathrooms, en-suite bedrooms, a dedicated activities room, plus a cinema and in-house hair and beauty salon.

A total of 31 parking spaces will also form the plot comprising 20 for cars, eight for bicycles and two disabled spaces, plus one ambulance bay.

However, the development has not come without controversy.

Tenterden Town Council’s planning committee submitted an objection over the proposal to ABC citing fears it would add pressure to medical services in Tenterden.

The town’s former mayor and planning committee chairman, Cllr John Crawford, also described the proposed building as “an office block on a business park”.

Meanwhile, resident Heather Warren added: "It is pretty much opposite an existing care home, [so] do we really need another in such close proximity?

"[Plus] the impact extra traffic would have on the already busy main A28 road, so close to St Michaels Primary School. There is a huge safety aspect here.

"It’s cruel and heartless to even consider the demolition of people’s homes to make way for this proposal."

Construction firm Jenner Group's senior site manager Will Heatlie insists the care home will benefit the area.

He said: “We are delighted to be starting this new project.

"We are looking forward to the build process and working closely with the Barchester team.

"This is a fantastic-looking building situated in a great location. Together with our management team and carefully chosen sub-contractors, we will deliver this project as planned by late 2026."

Aspire also previously noted the application “meets an identified need in the area” and will “broaden the range of accommodation available”.

They say the look of the building provides a “contemporary approach to a traditional design”, featuring “generous gardens” and “ample parking” via a relocated entrance.