Appledore Road, Tenterden

Home Projects Appledore Road, Tenterden

Project at a glance

Sustainability-led design:

Leaving a positive and lasting legacy

Located within walking distance of the town centre, this site was originally two parcels of land. The main site was owned privately by two individuals, whilst access was owned by Tenterden Schools Trust.

Planning permission was secured via appeal in March 2022, following rejection of two previous applications. When the site was originally marketed amid economic uncertainty, many buyers hesitated. Our financial strength allowed us to act quickly and secure a good deal and an attractive price for the landowners.

Plans for the site were developed through extensive local public engagement, and the scheme was identified as a chance to bring the community closer to nature. Working closely with ecologists and landscape architects, we created open spaces to help wildlife flourish and biodiversity thrive.

Benefits for people and planet:

  • EV charging points in all new homes.
  • 8.6-hectare country park with wildfl ower meadows, ponds and community orchards.
  • New footpaths and cycleways, providing scenic views and a seamless link into town.
  • Play areas, football pitches and sports pavilion.
  • Net Gains in Biodiversity: 14.98% for habitats; 52.26% linear, (incl. hedgerows); and 44.72% for watercourses.

Reimagining places for people to thrive

Timeline

Project History

2013: Agreement reached with landowners of the main site.

2018: Agreement reached with the school, (site access owners).

2019: First planning application submitted. Refused by the LPA.

2021: Second planning application submitted in May. The LPA refused to grant permission again, (claiming it conflicted with the Ashford Local Plan). We appealed to the Planning Inspectorate.

March 2022: The Planning Inspectorate ruled in our favour. The LPA launched a legal challenge, which failed. After a public right of way inquiry and several planning applications, the scheme – with hybrid planning consent – was finally given the green light.

December 2022: Site marketed, (working closely with the landowners and Savills).

September 2023: Scheme sold into a JV partnership between Vistry Group and Wates Developments.

“Staff at Wates were excellent to work with, very patient and understanding, during the lengthy period of obtaining permission for the sale of the land. This process included a difficult period of consultation and many hurdles. Wates bore with us throughout this period and added their support where they could. A very good price was agreed for the land, and this really helped the School Trust in their case for permission to sell. It was a pleasure working with them.”

Mark Seymour, Consultant and ex-COO, The Tenterden Schools Trust

Find out more about our track record of success.

Please contact us at: land@wates.co.uk

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