A disused petrol station on a high street will soon be turned into a retirement home complex – and villagers are being asked to come up with a name for it.

Churchill Retirement Living initially had its proposal for 27 apartments and two cottages on the plot in Staplehurst, formerly occupied by a Texaco garage, rejected by Maidstone council last June.

But the developer had the rejection overturned by government planning inspector Mark Dakeyne on appeal.

His decision was announced in December, since when the company has been busy submitting fine details of its plans to meet the planning conditions imposed.

The apartments will be for private sale but must have one occupant over 60, and the partner, if there is one, must be over 55.

There will be a communal lounge and on-site manager.

The petrol station ceased trading in 2010 and since then the site has been boarded up and has become an eyesore.

The planning inspector disagreed with the council that the development, which would be larger and closer to the road than neighbouring properties, would be overbearing.

He also disagreed that the 15 parking spaces would be insufficient.

However, he did require the applicant to enter into a legal agreement to contribute £148,000 to the council towards the provision of affordable housing off the site, since there is to be none on the plot.

Churchill Retirement Living is now inviting Staplehurst residents to suggest a name for the new development, with the offer of a £100 prize to the person whose suggestion is adopted.

The closing date is Tuesday, February 28.

To enter, send your suggested name and the reason for it to Freepost, Churchill Retirement Living, or by email to emma.measor@crl.co.uk.

The company requires all its retirement developments to end with "Lodge".