Work has finally begun on constructing a new retirement development in the middle of a village.

Baker’s Lodge in Staplehurst will be named after Reginald Baker, the film producer who lived locally.

The new complex by Churchill Retirement Living is on the site of a former Texaco petrol station, off the High Street, that closed in 2010.

It will provide 27 privately-owned, self-contained apartments, and two cottages, designed for the over-60s. The cottages will be named Bakers Row.

Each home will be connected to a 24-hour Careline system and there will be an onsite manager.

The development will include a guest suite for visiting family and friends to stay in and a communal lounge.

Reginald Baker was a British film producer and a major player in the British film industry, co-founding Ealing Studios with his brother Leslie.

From 1950 to 1953, he was president of the British Film Producers Association. He lived in Staplehurst at his 300-acre Loddenden Manor estate.

Anne Scherrer of Churchill Retirement Living, said: “With more than 15.5 million people in the UK aged 60 or over, making up 23% of the population, we believe that better provision of good quality retirement living options with great local access to meet the needs of older people is an absolute priority in local communities.

“Our new homes at Baker Lodge will provide owners with a manageable home with low maintenance, ensuring they are close to amenities and surrounded by a community of like-minded people.”

There is a bus-stop outside the site, which is also just a short walk from The Parade where there is a Spar, Costa Coffee, restaurants, a library and a pharmacy.

Completion dates and sales prices have yet to be announced.

The development was controversial when first announced.

It was initially rejected by Maidstone council in June 2022 but the developer appealed and won planning permission from a Government inspector in December 2022.

Cllr John Perry, the new Mayor of Maidstone, was one of those who spoke passionately against the development at the time.

Cllr Perry represents Staplehurst Ward and also sits on the parish council.

He called it “farcical” and “ridiculous,” alleging that the developers were trying to cram too much into the small plot.

He said then: “If this is approved, my village will be up in arms. It’s crazy.”