Plans to restore a disused historic building to its “former glory” and place it at the heart of a new housing development have moved forward.
Councillors say the redevelopment of the former Oast House at Sevenoaks Quarry will help turn a huge housing estate into “a real community” from the outset.
Plans for 950 homes at the site, near the Bat and Ball Railway Station were approved in June 2023.
First used to mine sand in 1928, extraction at the site operated by Tarmac is set to come to an end in 2030.
A historic oast house building sits in the middle of the quarry, which the firm’s head of land development David McCabe said would be brought “back to its former glory and into community use” when the plans were approved.
Sevenoaks Town Council, which is leading the plans to refurbish the structure, has completed a “high level feasibility study” on the future of the building.
“It has long been the Town Council’s ambition that this Oast House is restored and refurbished as a vibrant community hub and integrated with the rest of the town,” it said.
“This new community facility will be particularly important given the planned residential development on the quarry site.
“The building will look to address needs of new residents in the area and help strengthen relationships, foster a sense of belonging and build community spirit.”
Cllr Claire Shea (Lib Dem) represents the northern half of the town on Sevenoaks district council and the town council.
“That development up at the quarry will only succeed if it’s a real community at the outset,” she said.
“So the idea is that by creating a community asset right at the beginning we can make sure the development integrates into existing Sevenoaks and becomes a real community rather than just a satellite of it.”
It is not yet decided what specific use the building may have but ideas floated include a café, pop up shop, a place for mothers and babies, or a place of worship.
Cllr Shea added: “What we agreed as a council a couple years ago is we wanted it to be something quite multipurpose.”
“The first phase of the development will be otherwise unserved, so the idea from the town council perspective is it should be able to be a number of things for the people there.
“Over time it could become something more specific but at first we want it to be something quite flexible.”
The town council says they will now submit the study to Tarmac, and request the ownership of the Oast House be transferred to them so work can progress.
