Policy information sourced from the Maidstone Borough Council Local Plan 2021-2038
LPRHOU7: Specialist Residential Accommodation.
1. On land within or adjacent to the settlement boundaries, proposals for new retirement living, sheltered housing, enhanced sheltered housing and extra care facilities, through new build, conversion or redevelopment and for extensions to existing nursing and residential care homes which meet the following criteria will be permitted:
- a. The site is located adjacent to the settlement boundary;
- b. The proposal is sustainably located with accessibility by public transport;
- c. The proposal will not adversely affect the character of the locality or the amenity of neighbouring properties including by means of noise disturbance or intensity of use; or by way of size, bulk or overlooking; and
- d. Sufficient visitor and staff vehicle parking is provided in a manner which does not diminish the character of the street scene.
2. Proposals for specialist residential accommodation in unsustainable locations, and not within or adjacent to the defined boundaries of the Maidstone Urban Area, Rural Service Centres and Larger Villages will not be permitted.
3. Existing specialist residential accommodation will be protected from loss through either redevelopment or conversion where there is an identified need. Any change outside that permitted will need to demonstrate the lack of need for, or financial viability of, the facility within the borough.
For more information, please visit Maidstone’s Local Plan Maidstone Borough Council Local Plan 2021-2038