Kentish Express Ashford & District
Bid for care home unveiled
Two detached houses off the A28 will be knocked down to make way for a 64-bed care home if controversial new plans are approved.
Development company AspireLPP wants to construct the facility in St Michaels – about 100 metres from an existing care home.
But residents have hit out at the proposal, saying there is no need for the scheme, which was submitted to Ashford Borough Council at the beginning of the month.
If given the nod, two houses – Kent House and Little Dawbourne – will make way for the project.
But Christopher Haigh, who lives in St Michaels House directly opposite the site, fears the plan will devalue his home.
“There are already five or six care homes in the area (including High Halden) with one about 100 metres away – Acacia House – which isn’t even at capacity,” he said.
“There is no need for more care homes in the area. The proposed elevations are far too big and are not in keeping with the surrounding area.
“The elevations overlook my property therefore I lose my privacy in two front bedrooms.
“The volume of traffic on the A28 is already excessive and very dangerous, especially at peak times for school runs, etc.
“Adding to this will only cause more noise and stress for the residents, especially if site access for large vehicles is required.”
Davina Halls, who lives in Tenterden, echoed Mr Haigh’s views.
“This facility is just not required in this area,” she said.
“There are many care home settings offering the same facilities for the same group of patients in the area which are far from occupied.
“The medical and ambulance services in the area are not adequate to cope with the needs of these patients and would further stress a system that is not coping. And the local residents will be constantly disturbed by the comings and goings.”
Developers say 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.