Charles Church South East submits plans to build 180 new homes in Cranbrook

Charles Church South East has submitted its planning application to build 180 homes on the edge of Cranbrook, sparking a period of public consultation on a scheme which the developer describes as ‘positive for the area’.

The Maidstone-based developer has applied to Tunbridge Wells Borough Council to build two, three, four and five-bedroom homes on land to the south of the town. The application is likely to go before local councillors later this year.

Charles Church has already staged its own exhibition to explain to local residents how the land at Brick Kiln Farm could be developed to meet local housing needs.
Tom Wright, managing director of Charles Church South East, said: “Our exhibition was well received with around 200 people attending.

“It is important to us that we work with the local community and we did receive constructive feedback which has been taken into account in our final planning application. An example of this is the access point. Originally, it was earmarked as a T-junction, however a lot of people requested a roundabout which is now being considered as an option.

“Similarly, a larger green buffer zone is being looked at to go between the proposed development and existing housing.”

Charles Church is applying for outline planning permission, with illustrations of possible house types included in the plans.

Mr Wright added: “We are proposing to build family homes with a mix of private and affordable housing and will engage with the council to arrive at an acceptable design scheme that is sympathetic to the local architecture.

“This site is already earmarked for housing in the Local Plan and we believe it is a positive scheme for the area, as such a housing development offers more for the community. There is scope to create wonderful open spaces for the benefit of residents as well as sparking contributions through a Section 106 to local health and education.”

The site comprises of four agricultural fields that are currently used for grazing covering 12.7 hectares to the east of Hartley Road. The development will also include generous areas of open space and landscaping, and would retain existing woodland and Crane Brook.