Development Proposals

Richborough and the wider project team have taken time to understand the site, looking carefully at the opportunities it offers as well as any constraints, to help shape a thoughtful and balanced proposal.

The aim is to provide a mix of new homes, including affordable housing for local people, in an area where there’s a real and growing need.

At this stage, we’re submitting what’s called an Outline Planning Application. That means we’re not asking for permission to build a final layout just yet. Instead, we’re setting out the key principles, showing where homes, green spaces, roads and paths could go and which parts of the site should be kept open or protected.

These principles are shown in a Development Framework Plan, which will be included with the application when submitted to the Council. It’s there to guide future design work and make sure any detailed plans come forward in a careful, well-considered way that fits with the local area.

What will be included in the Outline Planning Application:

Around 135 new homes, designed at a respectful density to reflect the area’s character

Large parts of the site will be kept as green, public open space, including green areas for play, walking and relaxation

A biodiversity net gain, helping nature thrive on and around the site

New dedicated pedestrian and cycle routes, spanning east to west across the site, helping promote healthy and safe local journey options

50% of the homes will be affordable, helping meet the needs of local people

A high-quality landscape plan to enhance nature and support local wildlife

A vehicle access off Hever Road and pedestrian links to Mead Road

Use of natural, above-ground drainage features to manage water sustainably and create new habitats

It is not a matter for determination at this stage, but the scale of the development is expected to be predominantly 2 storeys with 2.5 storeys in key locations. The housing mix is also currently unknown.

Timescales

We are currently preparing the application for submission to Sevenoaks District Council later this year. We would anticipate that the application is determined in early 2026.