Maidstone Borough Council has secured planning consent for the delivery of more than 100 flats on a former library site in Maidstone, Kent.
The Springfield Place scheme, which will be built on the former Kent County Council Springfield library site and offices, will comprise two stepped blocks separated by a landscape-led public concourse, green areas and a play area.
The development will provide 103 dual-aspect one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments on the half-hectare site in the Ringlestone area of the town.
Simon Wales, Maidstone Borough Council cabinet member for housing and homelessness, said: “Springfield Place is a testament to what can be achieved as it serves as a model for sustainable, inclusive development. It will help address the critical need for affordable housing in Maidstone, reducing the number of families currently on the borough’s housing register waiting for a home.
“The council is currently discussing the availability of a social housing grant with Homes England. This would help bring forward much needed affordable housing on site which will be essential to help reduce the number of households on the council’s housing register, currently waiting for a home.”
Suzanne Holloway, regional managing partner at Vail Williams, which advised the council on the planning application, added: “The scheme successfully gained planning consent, meaning the disused site will now become much-needed housing and landscaping with an improvement to on-site biodiversity.
“This is good news for Maidstone and is a testament to the power of personable, collaborative working to get this project over the line. All councils have new, mandatory housing targets which we must meet to deliver the government’s commitment to provide 1.5 million more homes to help tackle the most acute housing crisis in living memory – and Springfield Place is a key element in this.”
Adrian Stubbs, lead architect at Bond Bryan, the designer of the development, said: “Springfield Place is more than just a housing development; it’s a community-centric initiative that integrates the rich heritage of the area with modern design principles. By prioritising biodiversity, sustainability, and connectivity, this project aims to create a vibrant and inclusive environment for future residents.”
James Hickmott, from Airey Miller, which provided project management and cost consultancy advice, added: “We are extremely proud to have provided project management and cost consultancy services and be part of this flagship development with Maidstone Borough Council to bring forward delivery of their strategic plan. We look forward to supporting MBC with the procurement of a main contractor in the coming months.”
