Our vision
A contemporary community steeped in history and rooted in nature
Fort Halstead represents truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to develop something unique on a site with a rich – and sometimes top-secret – heritage. And it’s about so much more than new homes – through a phased approach it will deliver a range of environmental, social, economic and cultural benefits for new and existing residents.
Environment
Future thinking
- There will be protection, enhancement and maintenance of the ancient woodland that exists on site, which will greatly benefit the local habitats.
- There will be a network of green and recreational spaces, providing every resident with access to a green link within 100 metres of their home, which so many residents in Sevenoaks and the wider area lack.
- To encourage more sustainable transport methods and to minimise the number of additional cars on the road, a new bus link will be delivered and active travel routes for pedestrians and cyclists will be created.
- These active travel routes will allow new and existing residents to lead a healthier lifestyle.
- Building materials will be sourced locally and the new homes will adhere to a sustainable energy strategy.
- The site will ensure there is no net loss of biodiversity.
- The site will provide bird boxes, bat boxes, dormice nest boxes, a bat barn and a retained building to be repurposed as a hibernacula and bat loft.
Local people
Building a community
- The new development includes a range of community and retail facilities within the new village centre. This will ensure that Fort Halstead is a great place to live and a destination for others too.
- Land will be safeguarded for a new primary school on site, ensuring that the area can appropriately meet the demand on new school places. A new early years nursery will also be delivered on site.
- A wide range of house types and sizes will be included on site, meaning that there will be opportunities for first time buyers, young families as well as older residents looking to downsize.
- The road network itself will include a wide range of traffic calming measures, which will help to create a people and childfriendly environment.
Local economy
Employment opportunities
- The development will include a New Innovation and Education Hub, which will significantly contribute to the existing employment opportunities in the local area. The innovation and education hub will provide a variety of employment space including office, research and development and light industrial uses.
- The large employment space provided – which will be the equivalent of approximately 106 tennis courts – will provide local employment opportunities. This in turn will reduce the need for new and existing residents to travel.
- The existing employer QinetiQ will be retained on site, which will help to safeguard the existing jobs.
Our heritage
Protecting the past
- The 19th Century Fort, closed off to the public for generations, will be restored and re-opened to the public in partnership with local heritage groups.
- Listed buildings throughout the site will be refurbished and incorporated into the Village Centre.
- The bunker area will be retained and will form part of the heritage walking trail within the site.
