News Public consultation to begin on garden settlements draft SPDs

Maidstone Borough Council is inviting residents, businesses, and stakeholders to take part in shaping the future of two major developments that aim to deliver a significant proportion of affordable homes across the district.

Public consultations will begin on Monday 3 November 2025 to gather feedback on the draft Supplementary Planning Documents (SPDs) for Heathlands Garden Settlement and Lidsing Garden Community.

These documents set out the vision and framework for creating sustainable and inclusive communities that meet local housing and infrastructure needs while protecting the borough’s character and environment.

The allocation of these sites for development has already been agreed through the Local Plan Review (LPR). The designation cannot be changed and the purpose of this consultation is to gather people’s views on the content of the SPDs, which, together with the LPR, will form the planning framework for future planning applications.

The Heathlands Garden Settlement is proposed for development between Lenham and Charing and could deliver up to 5,000 homes, with 40% designated as affordable housing. The plans also include a new railway station, healthcare and education facilities, and a country park.

In the north of the borough, the Lidsing Garden Community is expected to provide up to 2,000 homes, with up to 40% affordable housing, alongside employment space, community services, and a strong emphasis on biodiversity and green infrastructure. Both SPDs reflect the Council’s commitment to high-quality placemaking, sustainable transport, and meaningful community engagement.

The consultation will run for six weeks and will close at 23:59 on Monday 15 December 2025. During this period, the draft documents and supporting materials will be available online on the council’s website and at libraries and council offices throughout the borough.

Residents are encouraged to read the proposals and share their views via the consultation platform by email to mailto:ldf@maidstone.gov.uk, or by post to Strategic Planning, Maidstone Borough Council, Maidstone House, King Street, ME15 6JQ.

Cabinet Member for Planning Policy and Management, Councillor Tony Harwood said: “Strategic housing allocations near Lidsing and Lenham are a central element of Maidstone Borough Council’s 2024 Local Plan Review. A significant amount of work has gone into preparing the consultation draft Supplementary Planning Documents, which will guide future planning applications for these sites. I encourage residents, community groups, and other local stakeholders to review these draft plans and engage constructively in the consultation process.

“This is a genuine opportunity to help shape the development of these new communities, their connection to surrounding areas, infrastructure, and landscapes. We are committed to ensuring these plans reflect local needs and aspirations while minimising environmental impact. Please take part and help influence what comes next.”

Lidsing Garden Community Drop In Sessions

Residents and businesses are welcome to attend the drop-in sessions:

• Wednesday 12 November – Beechen Hall, Walderslade (ME5 9RU)
  4:00pm–7:00pm
• Thursday 13 November – Blacksmith’s Barn, Bredhurst (ME7 3JU)
  1:30pm–5:00pm

Heathlands Garden Settlement Drop-In Sessions
Residents and businesses are invited to the drop-in sessions:

• Monday 17 November – Dog & Bear Hotel, Lenham (ME17 2PG)
  4:00pm–7:00pm
• Thursday 20 November – Dog & Bear Hotel, Lenham (ME17 2PG)
  1:30pm–5:00pm

These are informal sessions, come and go as you like. There will be no presentations, just information and a chance to ask questions.

Share your comments and feedback online, by email, or by post.

Where to View SPD Material for Lidsing
In addition to libraries and the Council office in Maidstone, copies will be available at these Medway locations during the consultation:

Hempstead Library, 197 Hempstead Road, Gillingham ME7 3QG.
Mon: 10am–5pm (closed 1–2pm)
Tue, Wed, Fri: 2–5pm Sat: 10am–4pm

Wigmore Library, 208 Fairview Ave, Gillingham ME8 0PX.
Tue, Wed, Fri: 9am–6pm Thu: 9am–7pm Sat: 10am–4pm

Lordswood Library, Kestrel Road, Chatham ME5 8TH.
Mon, Thu, Fri: 9am–5pm Tue: 2–5pm Sat: 10am–4pm

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