Carbon-reducing housing scheme given approval in Ebbsfleet Garden City

A scheme described as one of the most carbon-reducing projects in Ebbsfleet Garden City has been approved.

Redrow’s plans for 133 homes at its established site in Ebbsfleet Green were given approval by Ebbsfleet Development Corporation’s planning committee last night (WED) .

The latest phase will bring the total number of homes with full details approved up to 783 at Ebbsfleet Green.

The committee heard that a range of carbon reduction measures including solar panels, sustainable drainage and electric vehicle charging points will be included in the phase. The proposed development will incorporate several relevant energy conservation measures including improved air tightness and high performance building fabrics and glazing and 100% low energy lighting.

The vice-chairman of the planning committee, Bob Lane, said it was one of the most carbon-reducing projects seen in the area.

Mark Pullin, Chief Planning officer with Ebbsfleet Development Corporation, said: “The approval of the one, two, three and four bedroom homes which includes affordable housing is a significant milestone for Ebbsfleet Green which now will only have one phase left for our planning committee to decide on.

“The Redrow site has shown how good quality housing can be developed at pace here in Ebbsfleet Garden City.”

David Banfield, Planning Director at Redrow South East, said: “It’s fantastic to have the next phase of Ebbsfleet Green approved, bringing us one step closer to delivering the vision we set out for the redevelopment of the site.

“The new homes are being delivered alongside vital community facilities, including the already open Co-op food store, pub and hotel. The Ebbsfleet Green community is growing every day as more people move into their new home.”

The committee also heard how the scheme aims to promote healthy lifestyles with open space for walking and cycling making it pedestrian and cycle friendly, a new park and a tree-lined road layout.

Included in the plans are 37 affordable rented and 14 shared ownership homes including five wheelchair accessible homes.

When complete, Ebbsfleet Green will also benefit from a community hall, 3G sports pitch, two tennis courts, community allotments and five play areas.

A new Co-op store opened last year, and a primary school is scheduled to open in September this year. A pub and hotel opened there in 2017.

There are now nearly 2,000 homes in Ebbsfleet Garden City with more than 4,500 residents.

As well as the primary school in Ebbsfleet Green, one is already open at Castle Hill and a third is being built at Springhead Park.

A second pub and hotel was last month approved for Ebbsfleet Garden City and a new bridge which will link residents with Ebbsfleet International is on course to open in the Spring.