A new estate is set to be built in Kent, consisting of 110 homes, a GP surgery, and a convenience store with space for a Post Office. The development, located in the village of Sutton Valence, is seven miles from Maidstone. The project was proposed by Fernham Homes in 2022 and approved by Maidstone Council’s planning committee in October last year.
Despite some objections to the project, including concerns about the impact on the countryside’s character, the urgent need for a doctors’ surgery and the site’s designation for housing in the Local Plan were emphasized. Golding Homes and Fernham Homes have partnered to build 43 affordable homes within the estate, including one and two-bedroom flats and three-bedroom houses for rent and shared ownership. These homes are expected to be completed by mid-2027.
In addition to providing much-needed housing, the development will also include a new GP surgery to address the current capacity issues in the village’s existing facilities. Tom Casey, director of development at Golding Homes, highlighted the importance of these new homes in meeting the local housing demand in Maidstone.
The new estate will be part of a countryside community in Sutton Valence, with all homes set within eight acres of landscaping and open space. The addition of a convenience store with a Post Office will also benefit the residents of the village. Overall, the development aims to create a vibrant and sustainable community in the historic village of Sutton Valence.
The project is a significant step towards addressing the housing needs of the local area while also improving essential services like healthcare and access to amenities. The partnership between Golding Homes and Fernham Homes demonstrates a commitment to creating high-quality and inclusive housing developments that benefit the community as a whole. With construction set to begin soon, the new estate in Kent promises to bring positive changes and opportunities for the residents of Sutton Valence.