Land Securities has announced that Dartford Borough Council has resolved to grant planning permission for the Group's proposals to develop 6,250 homes, a range of community and employment facilities and new parks and lakes in Eastern Quarry, Kent Thameside. This approval is subject to completion of section 106 and withdrawal of the holding objection from the Highways Agency.
Land Securities' proposals include 30% 'affordable' homes, a range of new schools, community facilities, local shops and offices. In addition, over a third of the development will be dedicated to open space. New wildlife areas including neighbourhood parks, ponds, wet and dry meadows, ecology areas, woodland and lakes will transform the chalk quarry which has been inaccessible to the public for many years.
The proposals have been planned to integrate the developing new community with existing neighbouring areas. Land Securities will work with carefully selected house building partners to deliver the new homes to the highest architectural standards throughout all elements of the development.
The development in the quarry will be brought forward in phases over twenty years. Initial site formation works are due to commence in April 2006 and it is anticipated that the first homes will be available in 2008.
Francis Salway, Group Chief Executive, Land Securities said: "This is a significant step forward for our Urban Community Development team and Kent Thameside. We are delighted that Dartford Borough Council has given the green light for development at Eastern Quarry. By creating homes, jobs and leisure facilities, we will be helping to develop a new community that will link with established adjoining neighbourhoods. The Government often talks about creating 'sustainable communities' and this development is exactly that with integrated transport systems, shops and local employment opportunities. And as we deliver these new communities in Kent, we also anticipate realising value for our shareholders over the next 20 years."
Ian Lindsay, Deputy Chief Executive of the Kent Thameside Delivery Board commented: "We are very pleased to see the Eastern Quarry scheme moving forward; it is central to the sustainable regeneration of Kent Thameside. Land Securities is a key partner in the delivery of the rapid transit scheme, Fastrack. The development at Eastern Quarry provides the opportunity to link Bluewater, Ebbsfleet International and Domestic station and the rest of Kent Thameside."
Source: Land Securities
