Maidstone
Maidstone was successful in achieving ‘Growth Point’ status in negotiations with Communities and Local Government (CLG), meaning it will be able to increase growth levels in housing and associated infrastructure beyond that allocated in Regional Planning Guidance.
Maidstone Local Development Framework (LDF) has emphasised the importance of development around the motorway junctions 7 and 8 of the M20. At Junction 8 an application is anticipated for a major rail freight development called Kent International Gateway. A major urban extension for mixed use development is also identified within the Core Strategy of the LDF.
Tonbridge and Malling
The £7m scheme to improve the slip roads and widening of the bridge at junction 4 of the M20 was completed in early 2007. The opening of the A228 Leybourne and West Malling bypass in October 2006 has greatly improved access to Kings Hill and development sites to the east of the M20.
In May 2007 Taylor Woodrow was confirmed by English Partnerships as the preferred developer for the redevelopment of the Leybourne Grange hospital site. The site will accommodate a total of 722 homes. Public consultation will shortly take place followed by a detailed planning application.
In 2007, Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council adopted a planning brief for the redevelopment of the Botany area of Tonbridge. Sainsbury’s has now been selected by the borough council to be its developer partner to bring forward a comprehensive mixed use redevelopment scheme including a range of retail, leisure, residential and community uses which will be designed to regenerate the heart of the town.
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Sevenoaks
The owners of Swanley’s retail centre are in discussions with Sevenoaks District Council about redeveloping this area of the town centre. In summer 2007, consultations were held with residents and local groups to find out their views.
Berkeley Homes is proposing to redevelop the 20 acre West Kent Cold Store site in Dunton Green into a mixed-use scheme consisting of private and affordable homes, commercial space, a medical facility, landscaping and open space.
Fairview Homes was granted planning permission in November 2006 to redevelop the Horton Kirby Paper Mill. It plans to turn the site into a development with housing, commercial space, areas of public and private amenity space and a new open river channel.
Tunbridge Wells
Tunbridge Wells Town Centre Regeneration is currently short-listing companies with masterplanning skills to help formulate a vision for Tunbridge Wells town centre, Paddock Wood, Southborough and Cranbrook. This masterplan will identify potential development sites for regeneration across the borough. |
