January 30, 2023
Plans to create Bradbourne, a new community of up to 1,600 homes on land between East Malling, Ditton and Allington, are to go on public display.
The scheme is being promoted by horticultural charity The East Malling Trust. As well as delivering new homes – including affordable homes – the proposals include plans for a new two-form entry primary school, community facilities, local retail units, plus a park and open space.
The 53-hectare site, which sits to the north of the Maidstone East railway line and south of the Quarry Wood Industrial Estate, would be accessed via Hermitage Lane and Kiln Barn Road.
The proposed development incorporates plans for improvements to the local road network, including a continuous and alternative east-west link road between Allington and East Malling. The site benefits from being close to the two mainline railway stations at Barming and East Malling, offering connections to London and the rest of Kent.
Dr Oliver Doubleday, Chairman of The East Malling Trust, said: “We believe Bradbourne offers an opportunity to deliver a mix of much-needed new homes, including affordable homes, and community facilities, while at the same time improving the local road network, cycle paths and footpaths.
“The project will enable the Trust to fulfil its charitable objectives to fund the world-class horticultural science being undertaken by NIAB East Malling, which is helping farmers to manage the impact of climate change and support the nation’s food security.”
The land was previously identified as an Area of Opportunity for residential development in the Submission Version of the draft Tonbridge and Malling Local Plan (2019).
The East Malling Trust intends to submit an outline planning application for its Bradbourne proposals to Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council later this year.
The public exhibition will be held on 9 February from 1.30-7.30pm at the Orchard Conference Centre, East Malling Business Centre, accessed via New Road, East Malling.
Members of the public are welcome to attend the public exhibition and can find out more about the proposals at www.Bradbourne.info