Plans have been approved to construct a housing complex for older people.

Churchill Retirement Living has been granted permission to create a T-shaped block in Larkfield containing 32 flats for the over 60s.

It was previously reported that the complex would cost £8.4m, however the developer said it could not comment on the pricing for now.

As part of the planning conditions, development must begin in the next three years.

The 0.29 hectare site is currently occupied by two homes, one of which includes and on-site printing business. They will be demolished along with existing conservatories and outbuildings.

The company said the redevelopment of this site will contribute “around £248,500 a year to the local economy and support around four permanent local jobs”.

The land in New Hythe Lane lies immediately below the Larkfield and East Malling Parish Council offices and is 100m south of the M20.

In its application the company says there is a large demand for older living accommodation in Tonbridge and Malling, with figures from the Office of National Statistics projecting that by 2043, the borough will have 37,365 people over 65 – that's a quarter of the population.

The older living block will consist of 21 one-bedroom properties and 11 two-bed apartments, with a communal lounge and gardens.

Churchill Retirement Living said that although the homes would be for over-60s, experience from its many other sites suggested that the average age of the occupants would be 79.

The site is close to a Morrisons store plus the shops and doctors' surgery at Martin Square is only 450m away.

The company say its development will “significantly assist the council in meeting its housing targets”.

Churchill carried out a public consultation on its proposals in September, writing to 330 local properties.

The company received only eight responses but said six had been in favour.

Paul Underwood, managing director of Churchill’s south east region, said: “We are delighted to have achieved a delegated planning consent for our site in Larkfield and we will now look forward to starting work on this new development soon.

“Retirement housing is shown to be the most effective form of residential development for generating local economic growth, supporting local jobs, and increasing high street spend.

“The new apartments will also help improve the health and wellbeing of those who live there, and meet the housing needs of many older people in Larkfield and the surrounding area.”

Find out about planning applications that affect you by visiting the Public Notice Portal.

Details of the application can be viewed on the TMBC website.

The application number is 22/02547.