Ward Homes wins planning consent for new homes in Kent

Kent housebuilder Ward Homes has secured planning consent from Sevenoaks District Council for a residential development on the site of the former Halstead Place School, near Sevenoaks.

Throughout the planning process, Ward Homes consulted fully with local people and the Council, and the extent of this consultation was praised during the committee meeting at which the application was approved.

The approved scheme is a high quality development, which will regenerate a derelict site on the edge of Halstead village. It will comprise 33 houses, of which 13 will be provided for affordable housing. The remainder of the development will be private residential units: four will be converted from existing buildings and 16 will be new build. The new properties will range from two to six-bedroom houses, all with private gardens and the majority of which are detached.

As part of the development, extensive areas of open space will be landscaped and historical features within the site will be restored and refurbished.

Nick Fenton, Managing Director for Ward Homes, said: “Ward Homes is delighted by the decision of Sevenoaks Council to approve this planning application. We are confident our proposals represent a high-quality development which will significantly improve the visual impact of the site as well as benefit current and future local residents.

“Ward is fully committed to the delivery of this site, as set out in the planning application which was agreed by Sevenoaks Council. Our aim is to begin work on this scheme at the earliest opportunity, once we have completed the initial steps that are necessary, given the important historical and ecological aspects of this site.

“This is a very special site, and we want Halstead Place to be a flagship development. Given its unique character, we expect this to be a highly popular place to live. Indeed, throughout the progress of the application, we have been contacted regularly by a number of interested purchasers demonstrating a high demand for these homes.”

“In developing these proposals we have also worked hard to ensure that the new scheme meets the needs and aspirations of the local area, and have liaised with the local community and their representatives. We will continue to work with the local community in taking this scheme forward.”

Ward Homes anticipates starting work on site in early 2009 and hopes to release guide prices for the new homes in Spring 2009. For more information, or to register an interest, log on to Wardhomes.co.uk.