OAKLAND Homes has launched a new development in Shorne for purchasers who want privacy and security.

These three individually designed detached four-bedroom chalet houses are situated in a walled and gated development, within a semi-rural area.

Each house has a fitted kitchen, study, dining room, living room, four bedrooms (en-suite to the master bedroom) and bathroom.

Added benefits include gas central heating and a kitchen with oven, hob, extractor, integrated fridge freezer, dishwasher and washing machine.

The initial release price is £374,995 and final completion for the first house will be January 2003.

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YOUNGER people are more attracted to communities within security gates, than older householders, according to a survey conducted by the Royal Institute of Chartered Accountants.

The survey showed that 65 per cent of 18 to 24 year olds preferred gated communities, while only 44 per cent of people over 65 liked them.

The RICS says that gated communities - areas closed to non-residents and guarded by security systems and surveillance equipment - are on the rise in the UK.

The RICS says they are a symptom of an increasingly socially divided society.

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RETIREMENT property specialist English Courtyard has scooped a major prize in the Daily Telegraph What House? awards.

The company, which developed Muskerry Court in Nellington Road, Tunbridge Wells won best retirement development.

Announcing their decision, the judges praised English Courtyard’s commitment to the highest standards of design, construction and maintenance.

Christopher Thornhill, the developer’s managing director, said: “English Courtyard’s architects and landscape designers work together from day one to ensure that internal and open air living spaces are planned hand in hand.”

English Courtyard is developing a site in Bearsted.

Call Bernice Young on 0800 454626 for details or visit www.englishcourtyard.co.uk

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FOR the Thames Gateway Division of Bellway, Gravesend, is proving the place to be. Almost 100 two and three-bedroom houses have been sold at Maritime Gate near the town centre and now, work is about to start at Baltic Wharf.

It occupies the site of a former timber wharf and warehouse on the banks of the Thames close to the St George’s Shopping Centre.

The town centre and rail station is an easy walk away making this an ideal location for commuters needing easy access to London.

For purchasers who need to travel by car, Baltic Wharf will have secure, under-croft car parking.

Bellway Thames Gateway Division can be contacted on 01689 886400.