Planning approved for new homes in Dartford

A planning application to build 290 new homes in Dartford, including a range of affordable homes, has been approved by Dartford Borough Council.

Ward Homes, PJ Livesey Group, Moat and the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) are working together on the scheme, which will see a selection of new houses and new apartments built on the site of the Stone House Hospital.

According to the plans, the 15 acre site will also include new office space, a children's playground, along with various other outdoor facilities.

Naisha Polaine, head of area at the HCA, said: "The development will not only deliver new and affordable homes, but also construction jobs and this will be a great boost to the Kent community."

People living in Dartford will soon benefit from a new modern train station. Earlier this week, an artist's impression of how Dartford station could look following a multi-million pound revamp was released to the public.

The upgrade, which is being funded jointly by the Homes and Communities Agency through Dartford Borough Council and the government's National Stations Improvement Programme, will see a range of improved facilities introduced.

Dave Ward, Network Rail's route director for Kent, said: "The upgrade of Dartford station is a big step forward and will make a big difference for the community.

"This means that in addition to providing a safe, punctual and reliable train service we need to give passengers the end-to-end journey experience they expect, including a station environment and modern facilities which meet their needs."

Meanwhile, Taylor Wimpey and Dartford Borough Council have joined forces to offer a shared equity scheme allowing purchasers to buy a new home in Dartford for 75% of the full price at The Bridge development.

The shared equity scheme lets qualifying first-time buyers secure selected one and two-bedroom flats for sale in Dartford from £89,812.

Taylor Wimpey and Dartford Borough Council provide the remaining 25% of the purchase price, through a 25-year interest-free loan, allowing buyers to own 100% of their new Dartford property for 75% of the price.

Jason Stokes, sales and marketing director for Taylor Wimpey South East, says: "Our fabulous shared equity incentive at The Bridge makes it easy for first-time buyers to step onto the property ladder and make buying one of our stylish Dartford flats a reality.

"With this scheme the purchaser owns 100% of the property in Dartford from day one and is free to make payments during the 25-year period to suit their individual circumstances, repayable at the market value of the property when payments are made."