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Castledene Transport submits planning application for 78-home housing estate in Aylesford at Millhall Depot

Developers want to convert a Grade II-listed building into four apartments and build an extra 74 homes on a transport depot.

Castledene Transport wants to develop 1.19 hectares at its Millhall depot in Aylesford.

The proposed site layout for the 74 new homes and conversion of a Grade II-listed building into four apartments at Millhall Depot, Aylesford. Photo: Clague Architects for Castledene Transport
The proposed site layout for the 74 new homes and conversion of a Grade II-listed building into four apartments at Millhall Depot, Aylesford. Photo: Clague Architects for Castledene Transport

The application proposes 78 homes in total, including up to 40% affordable housing.

The site, which is between the village railway station and the River Medway, would see the former Goods Shed converted into four three-bedroom apartments with a private garden.

In addition, it proposes 15 market value houses, 35 market value flats and four other types of houses, along with 24 social, affordable or intermediate rent housing all ranging from four storeys to two storeys in height.

The site already has 60 parking spaces but it is proposed to add 54 more and states there will be a single access point by Mill Hall Road which can take drivers onto Station Road.

Currently, the depot hosts the developer's own offices and warehouse as well as the Grade II-listed goods building.

Proposed development to the Grade II-listed Goods Shed at the Millhall Depot, Aylesford . Photo: Clague Architects for Castledene Transport
Proposed development to the Grade II-listed Goods Shed at the Millhall Depot, Aylesford . Photo: Clague Architects for Castledene Transport

Castledene Transport says it has “outgrown our Millhall Depot and the site is no longer fit for purpose”.

In its application the company says: “The site has a number of constraints for its operation as a 24 hour, seven days a week logistics hub with the Grade II-listed building on site, the level-crossing over the railway and the recent residential development along the river.

“Therefore, any potential expansion or intensification of the site is limited.”

During the consultation stage in August 2023, there were 18 responses from the public with mixed opinions on the proposals.

One objector to the recent application, which can be viewed on the council’s planning portal, shared concerns regarding traffic and said: “The train bridge exit is already congested and may lower frequently.

The proposed site for development in Aylesford is between the village railway station and the River Medway. Photo: Clague Architects for Castledene Transport
The proposed site for development in Aylesford is between the village railway station and the River Medway. Photo: Clague Architects for Castledene Transport

“Mill Hall is already getting busy and this needs to be considered for people that have to drive to work.”

Another resident, of Friars View, said in the portal comments: “We already have significant issues with the train barriers causing traffic on Station Road and in the village.

“An additional 100+ cars trying to go in and out will cause chaos to the village and traffic at train crossings.

“This village cannot support more housing development.”

Meanwhile another respondent, of Heathcote Close, also said they felt it would be a “terrible decision” due to the impact on traffic.

The proposed look and feel of the planned development application in Aylesford at the Millhall Depot. Photo: Clague Architects for Castledene Transport
The proposed look and feel of the planned development application in Aylesford at the Millhall Depot. Photo: Clague Architects for Castledene Transport

In its transport statement the company concludes that “the proposed development should not have any adverse transport impacts and therefore there should be no sound transport-based objections to the planning application”.

Find out about planning applications that affect you by visiting the Public Notice Portal.

A previous application for a similar redevelopment of 79 homes was granted, subject to conditions, in May 2013.

The plans were not implemented which saw the permission lapse.

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