Bellway announces plans to deliver “much-needed” homes at Swanley development

Detailed plans for 60 new homes in Swanley have been approved by the local authority, paving the way for the start of construction.

Sevenoaks District Council granted planning consent on Wednesday March 29 for Bellway’s application for the former Harrington’s Plant Nursery, off Highlands Hill. The housebuilder can now begin work delivering a mix of homes on the five-acre site, which will be known as Highlands Grange.

There will be 36 two, three and four-bedroom houses available for private sale and 24 affordable homes, including apartments and houses, available for local people through shared ownership or low-cost rent.

Full planning permission for the redevelopment of the site was originally approved in December 2020. After acquiring the land in June 2022, Bellway submitted an application to vary the scheme to amend the design of the houses.

Tom Sherriff, managing director of Bellway Thames Gateway, commented: “We are pleased about the outcome of our planning application, as this means we will now be able to progress with our proposals to deliver high-quality new homes in the area.

“With our designs for the site now approved, building work can start imminently. The development will provide much-needed new housing, supporting Sevenoaks District Council’s Housing Strategy which set out the need for 714 new homes per year in the district.”

Along with a large area of public open space, Highlands Grange will feature a variety of ecological measures to protect local wildlife, such as bat and bird boxes, insect hotels, habitat piles, and hedgehog highways to fencing. Plans for a community orchard and wildflower meadow will welcome a variety of species, further increasing biodiversity on site.

Tom added: “Sitting on the north-east edge of Swanley, Highlands Grange benefits from a desirable location within walking distance of the town centre. And with a direct trainline into London this site will also appeal to those working in the capital.

“We intend to release the first homes for sale this autumn, with the first properties being ready for their new owners to move into early next year.”

By Matthew Neville – Senior Correspondent, Bdaily

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