Cala Homes (South Home Counties) has secured planning consent from Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council for 125 high-quality new homes at on land at Lower Haysden Lane.
The new community, named Barden Croft, will deliver 50 new affordable homes (above policy), alongside new pedestrian and cycle routes, public open space and play areas.
As part of Cala’s consent, over £1.3m will be paid towards a range of local education and leisure facilities, including over £150,000 for Haysden Country Park.
In providing these much-needed new homes, Cala’s plans for Tonbridge could contribute nearly 15% towards Tonbridge and Malling’s housing targets of 800 homes a year.
To ensure the local area is enhanced, Cala sought local people’s views to understand the needs of the area and to help shape its plans.
People looking to move to or stay within the area will have a choice of one, two, three and four-bedroom affordable homes and one-to-five-bedroom private market houses. The mix of options means there will be suitable homes for first-time buyers, families and downsizers.
Along with the new homes, Cala’s proposals also include new pedestrian and cycle routes within the site, including a new cycle route linking to existing local playing fields to encourage active travel.
Furthermore, the community will incorporate a range of measures to support local wildlife including bat, dormouse and bird boxes, as well as hedgehog highways.
The development will also benefit from Cala’s Community Pledge, a bespoke programme of activity that will have a positive, measurable impact on the wider community of Tonbridge.
A host of tailored, meaningful benefits will be incorporated into each pledge, addressing specific community needs including donations, volunteering, learning programmes, support initiatives and much more. Cala will now begin work on creating its Pledge for Tonbridge.
Cala’s Community Pledge will include its Showhome of Support initiative, spotlighting 10 local suppliers – from artwork and accessories to furniture and fabrics – to bring a real unique flavour of what Tonbridge has to offer.
The initiative gives local artists, creators and independent retailers a platform and encourages future Cala residents to live local, shop local, and support local.
Jessica Sparkes, head of planning at Cala Homes (South Home Counties), said: “We’re thrilled to have received consent to deliver much-needed, high-quality homes in Tonbridge – Kent is acutely experiencing the effects of the housing crisis and this new community will bring a range of options for people looking to move to or within the area.
“As a responsible housebuilder, we’re committed to bringing meaningful benefit to the communities in which we build, not just through the homes we create, but by investing and enhancing in the very essence of what brings a local community together – as demonstrated through our Showhome of Support initiative.
“Achieving consent for this community is a testament to the dedication of our team to understand local wants and needs before submitting our proposals and delivering sustainable communities. We look forward to delivering this wonderful new community.”
Neal MacGregor, planning manager at Cala Homes (South Home Counties), added: “It’s fantastic to achieve consent to deliver much-needed homes to Tonbridge – not least because we intend to invest across Kent.
“We took careful consideration before submitting our proposals, liaising closely with the local community and Tonbridge and West Malling Borough Council.”
Construction is expected to commence at Barden Croft in September 2023, with the first homes expected to be completed in October 2024.
