New homes for the community in Sutton Valence
Esquire Developments are preparing an outline planning application for around 40 new high-quality, energy-efficient homes, with 16 affordable, creating housing opportunities for local people.
Previous homes in Hill Farm, Sittingbourne, showing what the new homes could look like
Housing crisis forcing local people out
The country is facing a housing crisis that’s hitting local people hard. This is affecting Maidstone with rents increasing nearly 50% in the last decade and house prices remaining well above the national average, pushing long-time residents out of the area.
Maidstone Borough Council estimates that nearly half of local residents can no longer afford market rents because incomes have not kept pace. 262 residents are now in temporary accommodation – a 130% rise since 2018.
Without new homes in places like Sutton Valence, more local families will be forced to leave their community.
Average monthly rent in Maidstone 2015-2025
Source: ONS
Showcase of Esquire Developments’ high quality approach to new homes
Our Plans
Esquire Developments is bringing forward proposals for approximately 40 new homes on land at South Lane, Sutton Valence. The circa two-hectare site adjoins the existing settlement boundary, making it a natural and logical infill within the village. It is currently a fallow field with mature trees and hedgerows along its edges, which will help create a green, attractive setting for the development and provide a softer transition into the surrounding landscape.
An initial layout has been drawn up, with access from South Lane. The location is within easy walking distance of village facilities, including the school, current doctors’ surgery, shops, petrol station, pubs and community buildings, connected by an existing footpath. The proposals will help support these local services.
Maidstone Borough Council has identified Sutton Valence in its planning policy as a village suitable for additional housing. National policy encourages new homes in sustainable and well-connected locations like this.
The proposals are at an early stage. Esquire Developments wants to involve residents from the outset, so your feedback is important.
What this means for Sutton Valence residents: The benefits
Homes to support local needs
Around 40 new homes including 16 affordable homes for families, first-time buyers and downsizers in Sutton Valence
Designed with Sutton Valence in mind
High quality design aims to integrate the new homes with the existing character of the village
Well-placed for daily life
Help sustain local schools, the surgery, shops and other amenities that are a short walk away via existing footpath links
Attractive green setting
Existing trees, hedgerows and landscape features provide a strong backdrop for new planting and community open green space
Sustainable homes built for the future
New homes built to high standards of sustainability, including air source heat pumps, EV charging and high insulation levels for warmer, more cost-effective homes
Wildlife corridor
A publicly accessible wildlife habitat will be created along the southern edge of the site, adjacent to The Harbour.
The site
The two-hectare site off South Lane is surrounded by existing homes and sits comfortably within the fabric of Sutton Valence, with easy links to village amenities. Mature trees, hedgerows and a public footpath create an established green boundary that supports local wildlife. These features will be retained and complemented by new planting and accessible community green spaces, enhancing the natural character of the area.
The proposals represent a high-quality development delivered by an SME developer, comprising much needed market and affordable housing in a sustainable location.
Delivered by Esquire Developments
Esquire Developments is a Kent-based, award-winning SME housebuilder. Founded in 2011 and rooted in the local area, the company creates high-quality, bespoke homes designed to reflect village character and respond to local community needs.
Further information
We’ve launched our consultation on our proposals for new homes in Sutton Valence. The consultation will run from 23rd October to 4th December, following which we will review all feedback received before submitting a planning application. You can provide your feedback via the feedback form on this website.
Have your say on the future of [area]
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Good Neighbour is a pre-application, early engagement service run by Shared Voice. It aims to inform immediate neighbours about development plans and gives them an easy way to feedback comments.
