News Help shape Maidstone’s future: Call for Sites launched for new Local Plan
Maidstone Borough Council is inviting landowners, developers, agents and members of the public to submit sites for consideration as part of the preparation of its new Local Plan.
The ‘Call for Sites’ is an early stage in shaping how the borough will grow and develop over the coming years. It provides an opportunity for those with an interest in land across Maidstone to put forward sites that may be suitable for a range of uses, including housing, employment, retail, leisure, green space, renewable energy and community infrastructure.
The council is required by national planning legislation to prepare and maintain an up-to-date Local Plan and requires councils to assess and plan to meet their area’s housing and development needs, using a standard calculation method set out by Government. This forms part of a wider national approach to ensure enough homes are delivered across the country to meet housing need.
Preparing a Local Plan allows the council to manage growth in a coordinated way by identifying suitable locations, protecting important landscapes and heritage, and ensuring development is supported by infrastructure such as transport, schools, health services and open spaces. Without an up-to-date plan, there is less local control over where development takes place.
Submissions to the Call for Sites are an important first step in gathering information. However, putting forward a site does not mean it will be considered suitable for development or allocated in the Local Plan. All sites will be subject to detailed and transparent assessment, including environmental, infrastructure and sustainability considerations.
There will also be opportunities for residents, businesses and communities to comment as the Local Plan progresses through consultation stages.
The council has prepared guidance and submission forms to support anyone wishing to take part in the Call for Sites. All submissions must be made using the official site submission form and should include supporting information such as site plans and details of potential uses.
Cllr Tony Harwood, Maidstone Borough Council Cabinet Member for Planning Policy and Management, said:
“The Call for Sites is an important next step in preparing our new Local Plan. We encourage anyone with an interest in land to submit sites for consideration and help us shape a truly sustainable approach to future residential development within the borough, that safeguards the natural world and our most cherished landscapes.”
Further information, including guidance notes and submission forms, is available on Let’s Talk Maidstone.
The deadline for submissions is 23 August 2026.
For enquiries, contact the Strategic Planning Team at Maidstone Borough Council by emailing ldf@maidstone.gov.uk or calling 01622 602000.