A CHARITY has labelled approved plans for extra care housing in Meopham a “tragedy” for localism.

Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) Kent committee member Alex Hills says the application for 50 sheltered housing units on land north of Longfield Road and west of Evenden Road does not meet local needs.

The application, submitted by sheltered housing company SJP Group in February, was approved by Gravesham Council on December 8 by five votes to four, after it was agreed the number of housing units be reduced from 53 to 50.

Mr Hills said: “This is a defeat and raises the question of whether Gravesham Council believes in localism.

“Residents were angry after finding out the sheltered housing was not to meet the needs of local residents as they had previously been told but were mainly needed for people from Higham 10 miles away.

“It’s a tragedy.”

At the meeting, councillors debated for more than an hour over the application.

Councillor John Burden supported the scheme, saying the council had a responsibility to give voice to the minority.

He said: “The community will change and if we don’t provide care for the elderly now, we’ll be failing ourselves.

“The council always listens to those making the loudest noise, so we need to take action - it’s about time we help the elderly.”

However, Councillor Leslie Hills opposed the application, saying the development was too big.

He said: “The reduction of units from 53 to 50 is not significant and it’s arguable whether there’s a pressing need for this.”

Chairman of the council’s independent regulatory board Councillor Harold Craske said: “This item has been discussed more than once and at great length by elected members from all parties.

"There has been a site meeting and plenty of opportunity for objections.

"In the end the committee members voted democratically to approve the scheme.

"Any suggestion that this is anything other than democratic flies in the face of reality.”

The application has been referred to the Secretary of State for the final stamp of approval, with building set to begin in spring 2012.

Mr Hills told News Shopper he will lobby Gravesham MP Adam Holloway to appeal on residents’ behalf.

There will be 50 self contained housing units within the facility but residents will also be provided with a communal hall and kitchen.

Extra care will be provided by Sanctuary Housing Association, which will have an office on site to co-ordinate the care.

A treatment room will also be installed allowing visiting nurses to care for the elderly people.

SJP's planning agent Graham Simpkin said: “When people go into it, they will be independent, but they may need more care in the future.

“We’ve accounted for this and this is why Sanctuary will be on hand to provide consistent care.”