KENT developer Gillcrest Homes is soon to start building on the site of Baileys Garage in Ashford Road in Harrietsham near Maidstone.

The development will comprise 15 apartments and cottages which will be built in a “contemporary vernacular” style. This gives owners a modern internal layout and specification which reflects modern-day living coupled with a traditional exterior which relates to surrounding buildings in terms of size and quality materials - in architect’s terms “contextural”.

The architects in this exciting project are Cheney Thorpe and Morrison who have worked in conjunction with Gillcrest Homes on a number of developments in Kent.

Planning officer for Maidstone council, Rob Jarman, said: “Maidstone Borough Council seeks, as a principle, to make efficient use of brown field sites such as this, but the design solution has to be both sensitive and sustainable as it was in this case.”

The design was unanimously supported at committee stage at the borough council meeting and was spoken of very well by members.

Guy Hollaway of Cheney Thorpe and Morrison said: “This is an interesting site in that we are following Government guidelines in terms of density and use of a brown field site yet we are creating beautiful homes around private central gardens giving owners a wonderful living environment.”

There is a curved section of the building at one corner, which gives a softer approach to the development, helping it to blend in with nearby properties and Gillcrest is to use local quality materials for the build to reflect the character of the village.

Each of the terrace cottages has a private garden and the roof void has been utilised to provide an additional usable space in these attractive homes.

Another of the exciting features is the conservatories, which are built as an integral part of the property, providing spacious and bright living accommodation.

Electronically operated gates to the central parking area will provide added security and residents can walk with safety from their car to their home via their rear access door. The area provides village shops and pubs which are within walking distance and the development is close to the train station.

There is also a bus stop providing regular services to Maidstone and the surrounding villages.

Anyone wishing to register an interest in the development should contact Gillcrest Homes on 0845 130 0070.