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Plans for multi-million pound 236 home redevelopment in Shepway, Maidstone, submitted to council

Plans for a multi-million pound regeneration project which will bring hundreds of homes and a modern shopping hub to a troubled estate have been submitted to the council.

Shepway in Maidstone is set for a massive redevelopment if proposals to knock down 114 apartments in place of 236 homes are approved in May.

An artist impression of the multi-million pound redevelopment in Shepway, Maidstone. Picture: Golding Homes
An artist impression of the multi-million pound redevelopment in Shepway, Maidstone. Picture: Golding Homes
An aerial shot of Cambridge Crescent in Shepway, the site proposed for the Golding Homes redevelopment. Picture: Golding Homes
An aerial shot of Cambridge Crescent in Shepway, the site proposed for the Golding Homes redevelopment. Picture: Golding Homes

New pictures of the mega money development have been released after applicants Golding Homes outlined their idea to knock down 114 homes and retail units in Northumberland Road - commonly known as Shepway shops.

In its place the housing provider hopes to provide 236 "sustainable and modern" homes which will be "100% affordable".

It will also have 1400 sqm of commercial floorspace to replace the existing retail units, which include a Greggs, Co-Op, fish and chip shop, charity shop and hairdressers.

The majority of the new buildings will be two storey homes, but there will also be three, four and five storey buildings in the development.

Last year Golding Homes invited residents to share their views on the plans in the form of a consultation between May 12 and June 6.

The redevelopment in Shepway, Maidstone, will see 236 new homes built. Picture: Golding Homes
The redevelopment in Shepway, Maidstone, will see 236 new homes built. Picture: Golding Homes
If given the green light a new shopping hub will be built. Picture: Golding Homes
If given the green light a new shopping hub will be built. Picture: Golding Homes

Of the 74 people who completed the survey, 86.5% felt the area needed investment and were in favour of the upgrades.

Only 49 of those came from the 114 homes and 15 shops directly impacted. The rest came from surrounding streets.

The main concerns people felt needed addressing related to lighting, misuse of open space, antisocial behaviour and a lack of surveillance.

Golding Homes director of development and sales Tom Casey spoke in November about his hopes for the project.

He said: “Since the consultation with local people and businesses, we’ve been working with our architects to take onboard the feedback and use it to shape plans for modernising Shepway.

114 apartments currently standing in Northumberland Road, Shepway, will be knocked down for these new homes, if approved at a planning meeting. Picture: Golding Homes
114 apartments currently standing in Northumberland Road, Shepway, will be knocked down for these new homes, if approved at a planning meeting. Picture: Golding Homes
Shepway shops in Maidstone will be knocked down for new homes and a shopping hub. Picture: Golding Homes
Shepway shops in Maidstone will be knocked down for new homes and a shopping hub. Picture: Golding Homes

“We’re committed to delivering quality, energy efficient homes, a modern shopping area and improving the public spaces and landscaping in the Cambridge Crescent area.

“We’re working closely with the local community and are a key partner in the Maidstone Task Force. We’re pleased that our local Shepway Hub Office is proving popular, providing an easy to access base for a range of vital services and support.”

A decision on the huge development will be made at a Maidstone council planning committee meeting in May.

If given the go ahead customers involved in the development will be start to be moved in Summer, before working begins towards the end of 2022.

The shopping area and flats in Northumberland Road, Shepway, which will be demolished if the development is approved
The shopping area and flats in Northumberland Road, Shepway, which will be demolished if the development is approved

The revamp hopes to tackle antisocial behaviour while upgrading facilities in Northumberland Road and Cambridge Crescent, some of which date back to the 1950s.

Figures from the Maidstone Task Force revealed how in the last year more than 175 arrests were made, as well as 350 stop searches.

It also seized around £56,800 of goods since last October with warrants which saw a number of high value items, including designer clothing, watches and jewellery recovered.

The team also retrieved more than 50 vehicles and Class A and B drugs to the value of £15,000.

You can view the hybridge planning application by clicking here, and using reference 22/500638/HYBRID.

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