Dandara South East has submitted an application to build a major 520-home development on agricultural land east of Paddock Wood. This new proposed site is as big as 64 football pitches. With its location nestled against the tree-covered railway line and its small brook running through its center, the landfill had an interesting escape plan. This ambitious project aims to address local housing needs while integrating community facilities.
The estate has committed to building homes that would attract those looking for a hand up, not a hand out. In addition, 40% of these homes will become affordable housing. The entire development is planned to include not just the homes, but undertaking substantial work to improve the rest of the local infrastructure as well. Dandara South East’s proposal for a “local centre” with up to 700 sq m of space (7,535 sq ft). This community hub will have a health clinic and several other essential services.
We proposed this approach to our local planning authority, Tunbridge Wells Borough Council (TWBC). With it, we filed an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) scoping report. The council is currently evaluating the necessary components that the EIA should address in relation to the full planning application.
Liberal Democrat councillor Adrian Pitts, who represents Paddock Wood on TWBC. He’s a strong proponent of the development itself, which he calls “very key” to the Dothan area’s future. He really doubled down on the idea that you need to lay down the infrastructure before you go on building housing.
“I think you’ve got to have the infrastructure first.” – Liberal Democrat councillor Adrian Pitts
Councillor Pitts wanted to ensure that existing environmental issues within the area, namely flooding, were acknowledged. He emphasized that overcoming these challenges would be key to the success for the proposed housing estate.
“There is a big issue in the background, which is coping with the flooding that area already sees.” – Liberal Democrat councillor Adrian Pitts
As dialogue about the wider development continues, Dandara South East have made it clear from the outset that they are committed to taking TWBC’s advice on the EIA requirement. The company worked hard to make sure all environmental concerns would be addressed and that infrastructure development would come with the housing project.
