There are two sides to every argument

Inevitably, planning applications are met with opposition, and often those opposing such plans are more vociferous than those in favour.

The proposed McCarthy and Stone development in Tenterden is no exception.

There are two sides to every argument, however.

As in most places, Tenterden has an ageing population: people with advancing years and possibly health issues; people who have no family who are close in any sense of the word and who need the kind of supportive accommodation offered by McCarthy and Stone – people whose needs are not being met currently.

It has been pointed out by councillors that Little Hill in St Michael’s is being rebuilt but Little Hill will be social housing, for those who are not in a financial position to put a roof over their own heads. Those who are able to do so, must do so.

It has been pointed out, also, that there are McCarthy and Stone properties elsewhere, including Headcorn and, soon to be, Cranbrook, but there are people who, having lived in Tenterden for many years, would like to remain in Tenterden.

If the powers that be had had the foresight to recognize and acknowledge this, perhaps such accommodation could have been incorporated in the plans for Tent1.

Nationally, older people contribute more to the economy than they receive from it; locally, this generation is more likely to support local businesses and shops than younger people who tend to shop online, go to Argos or to retail parks.

All this is not to say that I do not sympathise with those who oppose the development of the Collina House site.

Having suffered from intrusive building myself in the past, albeit on a smaller scale, I do, but there are people in the town who would welcome it, providing there was an acceptable design. Marcia Marshall, Tenterden