Planning officers are recommending approval of a scheme to build 40 retirement homes in Tunbridge Wells.

The news brings to an end any hope that an Aldi store might be opened on the site off Eridge Road.

The discount chain had spoken of building a store there six years ago, but abandoned its plans after Lidl opened up nearby.

Aldi subsequently opened a store at the Great Lodge Retail Park on Longfield Road.

The new proposal from Beechcroft Developments has been welcomed by the Tunbridge Wells Civic Society and several local residents, as the site behind an Esso garage had become something of an eyesore in the past few years.

The developer is being required to make a number of financial contributions towards local NHS services, libraries, waste disposal services and to an off-site affordable housing unit, in total amounting to £1,055,491.

The proposals which can be viewed on Tunbridge Wells' council's website include the demolition of rear extensions at numbers 15 and 16 Eridge Road and their refurbishment as separate dwellings.

Planning application number 21/03298 refers.