Controversial care home site endorsed by planners despite flood risk

A controversial application to demolish a Littlestone care home and put almost 20 apartments in its place will soon to decided by council planners.

Folkestone and Hythe District Council recommended that construction commence, despite an objection from the Environment Agency and reservations from the county council's lead local flood authority.

They are worried about surface water run-off, as the Sandbanks care home site off Coast Road has a 1 in 100 or greater annual probability of flooding.

Planners admit there has been strong objection to potential development at the seafront site.

However, they insist the proposal will meet a local need and reduce the pressure on them to consider greenfield options.

The applicant has already had discussions with the council about them buying the apartments to add to their affordable housing stock.

Almost 80 residents have voiced concerns about issues such as loss of light, or the oppressive and overbearing nature of the plans.

If permission is granted, the two-storey care home building will be demolished and replaced with two buildings consisting of 19 apartments in total.

Neighbour to the care home, Martin Young described the amended plans as a grotesque insult to the environment and community.

Miss Louise Barton added: "The Care Quality Commission Reports for Sandbanks and Romney Cottage show their loss would reduce nursing home capacity by 47 units (25 for Sandbanks and 22 for Romney Cottage).

"Madeira Lodge is being increased by 14 units, thus leaving a net loss of 33."

Miss Rosalind Dunn noted: "The design and scale of the separate building would be a carbuncle on the face of the seafront at Littlestone.

"It is completely out of keeping with the other houses in the vicinity and does not comply with any of the principles for sustainable development."

A decision was set to be made on Tuesday evening, after the Herald went to press.