Plans approved for 138 new homes in Margate

Places for People – the UK’s leading social enterprise – has been given the go-ahead on plans to deliver 138 new homes at Shottendane Road in Margate.  

The site, which is the first phase of a 450 new home development approved in 2022, will have homes ranging from 1-bedroom apartments up to four-bedrooms. In addition, over 4.3acres of new open space, two new children’s play areas, improved infrastructure to connect the local area, EV chargers for every home and accessible parking for customers and visitors will also be delivered.  

Following previous feedback, Places for People has increased the number of affordable homes to 68 (49%) through their strategic partnership with Homes England to address the shortage of affordable homes in the local area.  

Speaking on the planning application, John Kerr, Regional Managing Director for the South East at Places for People said: “We’re delighted in the response to our recent proposal to bring more much-needed new homes, open space and children’s play areas to Margate.   

“We’ve worked hard to deliver a proposal that works for the wider community and are pleased that through our strategic partnership with Homes England have been able to increase the affordable housing provision to 49% following previous feedback.   

“Our ambition is to deliver thriving communities across the UK, providing sustainable, high-quality homes with a range of tenures to suit the needs of the markets we operate in. We know that a shortage of affordable housing remains an acute issue across the South East and are looking forward to start delivering these new homes.”  

With ambitions to create a thriving community in Margate, other plans for the area include 160 new trees being planted including around a new woodland walkway, the planting of over 9,250sqm of wildflower meadows and native plants to boost local biodiversity, and new bird and bat boxes to protect native species and encourage local wildlife to the community. The social enterprise will also contribute almost £10 million across the whole development to support local infrastructure including schools, libraries, and medical facilities.  

John continues: “We understand the need to deliver sustainable, high-quality homes for our customers now and in the future. With our expertise in placemaking and regeneration, we know what it takes to build the right homes in the right places and strive to create communities that support education, health, wellbeing, employment, and inclusion that will thrive for years to come.   

Work will start on the development in summer this year with homes being available for sale in 2025 onwards.