Developer seeks tweaks to a 146-home retirement village near Tunbridge Wells, focusing on cost and design changes.
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Senior Living (Tunbridge Wells) Ltd has permission already, provided by Wealden District Council. The company stated in their first application that the site acts more like part of Tunbridge Wells.
Little Mount Farm on Benhall Mill Road is the location, across the road from Nevill Golf Club. The site exists within the parish of Frant, and buildings will be demolished. Little Mount Lake is the village’s name, and Inspired Villages will operate it with cottages and flats.
The company wants to make changes to the plans to cut costs and protect the project’s value.
The application addresses the economy and design as Senior Living seeks adjustments for a good energy center. This will support the overall design.
Senior Living (Tunbridge Wells) Ltd started in 2018 and deals in real estate. Their address matches Inspired Villages Group Ltd.
Phase one has permission, including 55 homes, and gives more detail than the first permission.
Inspired Villages plans phases two and three, applying with detailed plans. The Council approved these phases last year.
Senior Living gave details in September 2023, including a three-story village center.
Now, the company wants design alterations affecting the village center, inside and out. Alterations are to bay windows and the energy center, and landscaping, bins, and cycle storage may change.
Village center changes include a shorter pool, changes to patio doors and glass, and adjustments to the balcony design. They will also alter the entrance canopy, and door positions will shift.
The village’s entrance is on Benhall Mill Road. Inspired Villages targets people over 55, with homes supporting residents’ wellbeing so they live independently longer.
This retirement village will have apartments and cottages. The grounds include 168 parking spaces.
Housing for older people is underserved. The Council gave the original permission in 2020.
Tunbridge Wells Council objected but they lost the appeal. The site’s proximity to Tunbridge Wells caused concern, as they thought occupants would use Tunbridge Wells services.