Maidstone Borough Council has taken ownership of two new town centre developments, delivering 40 affordable homes for local people alongside new habitats for wildlife.

The developments, Britannia House and Earl’s House on Granville Road, have been delivered through a partnership between the council and Skillcrown Homes, transforming previously underused sites into modern affordable housing.

The homes have been designed to be energy efficient, helping residents reduce their environmental impact and potentially lower their energy bills. Features include solar panels, electric heating systems, heat-recovery technology and water-efficient fittings.

The developments also include bat and swift boxes, creating nesting and roosting opportunities for protected wildlife and supporting biodiversity within the town centre.

New planters have also been introduced around the developments, helping to create a more attractive environment for residents while enhancing the appearance of the local area.

Councillor Simon Wales, Maidstone Borough Council Cabinet Member for Housing and Homelessness, said:

“Having a safe and secure home can make such a difference to someone’s life, and that is what makes developments like these so important.

“We also have a responsibility to think about the kind of places we are creating for the future. That means homes that are better for the environment, but also making room for the wildlife that shares our town. I’m proud that we’re doing both here.”

Matt Arnold, Land & Development Director at Skillcrown Homes, said:

“We’re delighted to have completed another 40 much-needed affordable homes in the town centre and we hope people enjoy living here for many years to come.

“This project marks another important milestone in our excellent working relationship with the council, with 83 homes now completed across three sites and a further 41 in the pipeline.

“We’re proud to have played our part in delivering these new homes and look forward to continuing our partnership, providing more high-quality affordable homes for local people.”

The developments form part of Maidstone Borough Council's wider ambition to increase the availability of affordable housing across the borough. The council has set a target of delivering 1,000 affordable homes over ten years, working with partners to bring forward suitable sites and create more opportunities for local people to access affordable housing.

Residents are expected to move into the new homes soon.

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