A housing provider behind plans for a multi-million pound redevelopment scheme in Maidstone says more than 86% of people who took part in the consultation are in favour of upgrades.

Last month Golding Homes announced an investment package that would see 114 apartments knocked down in place of 240 new homes, a modern shopping area and attractive communal spaces in Shepway.

The revamp hopes to tackle antisocial behaviour while upgrading facilities in Northumberland Road and Cambridge Crescent, some of which date back to the 1950s.

Residents were asked to share their views on the plans in the form of a consultation between May 12 and June 6.

Now Golding says those views are being worked into the designs to develop proposals for the area with partners and architects.

Of the 74 people who completed the survey, 86.5% felt the area needed investment and were in favour of the upgrades.

Only 49 of those came from the 114 homes and 15 shops directly impacted. The rest came from surrounding streets.

The main concerns people felt needed addressing related to lighting, misuse of open space, antisocial behaviour and a lack of surveillance.

Keith Mandy, Regeneration and Strategic Project Manager at Golding Homes said: "We are pleased these things have been mentioned because this is what we considered when we designed it, it shows we are going in the right direction.

"The feedback has helped us focus thought but there haven't been any real surprises.

"There has been a mixed bag of responses. Some have said they want to be a bit nearer to the town, but most people said while they know the area has its problems, they would love to stay here.

"We have made a note of what everyone wants and we will do our best to fulfil those wishes.

"This is the central point of Shepway and it's a really important focal point so we want to make sure we get it right."

About a third of the 114 flats currently there are bedsits.

Another key element taken from the feedback is that many people would like to see the bedsits replaced with one bedroom apartments, and more want private outdoor areas having seen their importance during the pandemic.

Mr Mandy says the new designs will see balconies added to apartments and more landscaped communal areas as a result.

It comes after Golding Homes previously completed the £50m regeneration of Wallis Fields in Park Wood.

Works started in 2015 and completed three years ago.

Once the feedback has been collated and discussed with residents, the next stage will be for Golding Homes to start the planning process.

Mr Mandy continued: "There will be another form of consultation and there will still be notices to invite more comments from people.

"There is a lot that goes into a project like this. After Park Wood we did some analysis on areas and this area was crying out for it.

"There is huge potential for development here and it's not about filling in space, it's about looking at what we can bring to the area and how we can improve it for people so they are happy in their homes."

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