Official plans have been submitted for the final phase of works to complete a 630-home regeneration scheme.
Housebuilder Bellway says it is a “crucial” step in “unlocking the full potential” of its Northfleet Harbour Village development, but others have criticised the proposals for “stifling” the wharf’s “exciting future”.
Two separate planning applications have been sent to Ebbsfleet Development Corporation (EDC) — the body tasked with delivering new homes for Ebbsfleet garden city — to build 107 homes on land east of College Road.
It includes plans for 68 homes, 274 sq m of commercial space, an extension of the Fastrack bus route, parking and amenity areas at Abacus Corner, south of The Creek.
If approved, 66 one and two-bedroom flats will be built alongside two three-bedroom townhouses, with some being available at a discounted rate.
The submitted design and access statement states this phase of the project will continue to deliver “much-needed” affordable homes and commercial space.
It added: “The proposals will deliver a comprehensively planned, well-designed, efficient, accessible and high-quality new residential neighbourhood which will contribute to the delivery of a sustainable community.
“It is not considered that there will be adverse impacts from the proposed development that would be so significant as to demonstrably outweigh the benefits of the proposal.
“The site has been identified in local planning policy for new homes and regeneration. This scheme meets this policy designation.”
The 1.4-acre brownfield land, which was bought by Bellway in March, is currently split into five separate parcels, which include several industrial sheds and small businesses.
The sites will need to be demolished to make way for the new housing, including engineering firm Sealtech Limited’s workshop.
Its owner, John Tiller, explained he has since sold the freehold to Bellway after they offered to build him a new yard in nearby Factory Road, Northfleet, and help with the move.
He told KentOnline: “We knew this was coming. I was going to spend money on refurbishing the place, but knowing it was going to be knocked down, I did not bother.
“Bellway has come up with a solution, and it is good. I have got my fingers crossed that it will go to plan, and I am sure it will.
“This site has served its purposes for 50 years, and things are looking promising.”
If built, the new homes will have a view of the adjacent Robin’s Creek.
However, the Northfleet Harbour Restoration Trust has criticised Bellway for “stifling” the future possibility of restoring the harbour.
Speaking on behalf of the charity, chairman Conrad Broadley said: “We are disappointed and concerned that so far, despite Harbour Village taking our name, that all proposals have not contributed to getting Northfleet back on the water.
“So far, they have effectively sterilised two wharves from any possibility of ever being restored and having boats moored on them, and the current plan will effectively render Northfleet’s public slipway unusable.
“Without the harbour restored, the development is not connected to the area by history and loses the benefit of the exciting future that a vibrant harbour could bring to the area.
“They have not made provisions for historic ships to stop on the huge deepwater jetty in front of their development, which could be something truly amazing for Northfleet.”
Bellway has also submitted a revised reserved matters application to reduce the number of homes planned for the neighbouring Phase 3B site from 40 to 39.
If approved, it will see 21 one and two-bedroom flats, with 12 being sold at a discount market rate, and 18 three-bedroom houses built.
Land director at Bellway Thames Gateway, Will Weston-Smith, said: “The submission of these two applications represents the crucial, final step in unlocking the full potential of the former Northfleet Cement Works site to deliver much-needed new homes within an attractive and high-quality riverside community.
“Bringing the applications forward together has enabled us to design a cohesive scheme which integrates the two separate parcels of land.
“Following ongoing dialogue with the local planning authority, we have made a number of key design changes to Phase 3B to ensure a seamless transition with neighbouring Abacus Corner.”
If approved, the applications will bring the total number of homes in the Harbour Village development, which first started in October 2022, to 634.
To see more planning applications and other public notices for your area, click here.
Phase one of the riverside regeneration project, which is on the former Northfleet Cement Works site that closed in 2008, is complete, while building work is ongoing on Phases 2 and 3A.
Harbour Village is part of the wider Ebbsfleet Garden City, which is expected to create up to 15,000 homes in the area with restaurants, bars, shops, commercial and office space, schools and community facilities.
