Plans have been submitted for a 20-home development to aid a major expansion of a charity.

The housing is proposed for land off Rook Lane in Bobbing, and would consist of six three-bed semi-detached houses and 14 four-bed detached units.

Money raised from the sale of these properties would go towards building a new three-unit accommodation block and outdoor events space for Demelza Hospice Care for Children.

The land is not owned by Demelza and the accommodation block and outdoor space would be built using money from the sale of the homes and then gifted to the charity.

Demelza, which has its main Kent base opposite the proposed site, hopes the provision of this accommodation block will improve staff recruitment.

Currently the hospice struggles to attract staff to Bobbing, as they prefer working at hospices elsewhere where accommodation is provided.

The development would also fund improvement works to the junction of Rook Lane and the A2 Keycol Hill, with proposals to widen the junction and move it to improve access and visibility.

There would also be more car parking at the new accommodation block and two address current issues in Rook Lane.

The plans were put on show at a public consultation in October, where residents were invited to leave feedback.

Of the responses, 60% were against the development. Criticisms included concerns about increased traffic, noise from the outdoor events space, and destruction of the countryside.

Matthew Woodhead, director at DHA Planning, which has submitted the plans, said: “With so many planning applications for housing around we strongly feel that this scheme is different in many ways and has real community benefits.

“This application would not exist if it were not to create the facilities for Demelza, and the amount of housing is down to a calculation of what is needed to build it.

“Demelza’s need for the nurses facility, car parking and outdoor space is very real and would allow them to reach out to more of those in real need at the end of their lives in the community.”

See and comment on the plans at tinyurl.com/DemelzaHomes