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Taylor Wimpey wants views on 118 house development off Hermitage Lane in Barming

A developer is asking the public for views on its plans to build 100 homes across a green-field site.

But the plot, which is adjacent to Oakapple Place in Barming, near Maidstone, has already been granted outline permission by Tonbridge and Malling council, so any comments along the lines of “It shouldn’t go ahead” will be pointless.

The proposed layout
The proposed layout

However, views about the details of how the site, known locally as The Peafields, should be developed – the layout, the balance between housing and leisure space, landscaping etc – would be welcomed.

Taylor Wimpey has set out its plans on a website here.

It is asking for views to be submitted either on the website, or by email to barmingP3@taylorwimpey-pr.co.uk

The proposal is the third phase of a development off Hermitage Lane and was granted outline permission in 2022.

Taylor Wimpey is currently building 181 homes at Oakapple Place, while nearby, the Bovis Orchard Fields estate has already provided an extra 249 homes.

Taylor Wimpey's plans include one hectare of open space at its Peafields estate in Barming
Taylor Wimpey's plans include one hectare of open space at its Peafields estate in Barming

The primary access to the new homes will be from Hermitage Lane via Oakapple Lane, with secondary access from Broomshaw Road.

The developer is proposing 14 two-bed homes, 55 three-bed and 21 four-bed, as private housing, plus an as yet unspecified number of affordable housing units. The overall permission allows for up to 118 properties.

Taylor Wimpey says the development will be ideally placed to access local schools such as Barming, Jubilee and Bower Grove Primaries, as well as Oakwood Park and St Augustine’s senior schools, while also having good transport links to the M20 and A26.

The firm said it would be spending £3m via a Section 106 agreement on improving local health and education services, and on transport and infrastructure improvements.

Taylor Wimpey says a play area equipped for under 12s will be provided at its Peafields estate in Barming
Taylor Wimpey says a play area equipped for under 12s will be provided at its Peafields estate in Barming

It will also provide a play area in the north-east corner of the site, with equipment that is suitable for children up to age 12.

And there will be one hectare of public open space.

Taylor Wimpey intends to submit a detailed planning application to the borough council in June, and hopes to gain permission by the autumn.

A flood risk assessment has been carried out that shows the area to be the lowest risk of flooding - at Zone 1.

The firm said: “Preserving and enhancing local wildlife is a key consideration.”

Taylor Wimpey says the hedgehogs will be taken care of at its Peafields estate in Barming
Taylor Wimpey says the hedgehogs will be taken care of at its Peafields estate in Barming

“We are aware that local wildlife, including a number of hedgehogs, insects and birds, make use of the open spaces.

“Dormice have also been located in the hedgerows to the north of the site, and reptiles are present within grassland.

”To ensure local wildlife is protected, a Biodiversity Management Plan was approved by TMBC.

“We propose to retain existing hedgerows, trees and grassland around the northern, western and southern boundaries of the site, where possible.

“We will translocate reptiles to a suitable, off-site receptor area and provide suitable mitigation measures to protect dormice, in line with a Natural England licence.

The site in question is labelled 2B on this map
The site in question is labelled 2B on this map

“In addition to the installation of hedgehog highways in the gardens of all of the homes, our proposals also include the provision of boxes for dormice and log piles for insects.”

The deadline for responses is midnight on Sunday, June 2.

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