Swanley residents are being asked to give their opinion as developers plan to convert a former wedding venue into a new 75-bed care home.

Plans to demolish the fire-damaged Woodlands Banqueting Suite in Hilda May Avenue were lodged with the council earlier this year with residents now being given the opportunity to voice their opinion on the development, which would see a new care home for the elderly being constructed in its place.

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The building has been abandoned for a number of years and has been the subject of a number of suspected arson attacks over the years with the latest one occurring in October of last year.

Firefighters were called to tackle the blaze on October 1, just two years after the foyer had been set alight with police believing the incident to be suspicious.

The consultation period will last until July 19 but some concerned residents have already voiced their concerns with the project, particularly with regard to local wildlife and tree preservation.

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One neighbour noted that reports show that a number of bats could be roosting within the building, but asked developers to be concious of other animals living within the vicinity of the derelict building, including birds, foxes and stag beetles.

One objection has been lodged against the plans over the issue of tree felling with the objector stating that the lands should be left as is and possibly made into a children's play area as part of the surrounding woodlands.

The council have yet to decide on the outcome of the application.