Kent

Chelgate has been providing political engagement and community consultation support to our clients for over 35 years. Over the past decade, we have worked on approaching 100 projects totalling over 50,000 dwellings alone. Almost 22,000 of those dwellings, some 26 projects, have been in the South Thames region, which includes Kent, Sussex, Surrey and Hampshire.

In Kent, we have worked in Ashford, Canterbury, Sevenoaks, Medway, Tonbridge & Malling, Tunbridge Wells, Maidstone and Swale – 13 projects totalling over 8,500 dwellings. A selection of projects are included below and on our Strategic land and site promotion and housing pages.

The South Thames team is led by Mark Walker, supported by Nick Wood-Dow.   Mark lives in Brighton and Nick in Staines.

High Halstow, Medway, Kent 

We have been assisting Redrow South East in High Halstow for over a decade. Having initially successfully assisted with a 65-home site in the village, we had the relationships to assist with this larger 750-home project. The site is included within the emerging local plan, together with a school and local centre.  A hybrid application was submitted in 2023 and likely to come to committee during 2025.

Springfield Mill, Maidstone, Kent

The regeneration a former paper factory to create a residential oasis in the heart of the town. The Whatman paper factory, originally established some 300 years ago, once employed over 1,000 people: it is an integral part of the history of paper-making. Redrow South East proposed a development of around 200 homes very much in keeping with the history of the site and the existing Listed buildings. Chelgate assisted with political engagement and local community and stakeholder consultation for this historic site – we were a finalist in the Planning Project of the Year category of the PRCA public affairs awards in 2019.

Shapley Heath Garden Community, Hampshire 

Chelgate assisted Hart District Council in the initial stages of the conception of a new garden community in Hampshire. Shapley Heath Garden Community would consist of 5,000 new homes plus associated infrastructure. Work included an extensive place survey and establishing a stakeholder forum to guide the concept and master planning.

Wisley Airfield, Guildford, Surrey

With Guildford house prices running at more than 14 times average incomes, Wisley Airfieldprovided an obvious opportunity for development. Under the proposals, the derelict airfield would be transformed into a new community of 2,000+ homes, sports, social and health facilities and parkland.

Fairoaks Garden Community, Surrey

Chelgate assisted in strategy development and the promotion of this existing airfield in Surrey through the local plan. Initial plans were for 2,500 new homes, employment and associated infrastructure.

To discuss a project in Kent, please contact Mark Walker, Account Manager, on 020 7939 7950 or email.