There is still time for people to have their say on multi-million pound changes to two road junctions in Sittingbourne that will pave the way for almost 8,000 new homes.

Kent County Council (KCC) is asking people for their views on potential £38.6m changes to the Key Street and Grovehurst Road junctions.

If approved, the changes at Key Street could include closing the existing A249 southbound slip road from the roundabout and creating a new one from Chestnut Street, plus widening some of the roundabout approaches.

The plans propose improving road markings and signs, installing parking bays on Bobbing Hill and in Chestnut Street, and introducing pedestrian and cycle crossings on Keycol Hill, Sheppey Way, Key Street and Chestnut Street.

The Key Street works will cost about £5.8m, funded through the Housing Infrastructure Fund (HIF) and contributions from developers.

With the Grovehurst Road junction, KCC is proposing to remove the two existing roundabouts at either end of Grovehurst Road and the A249 junctions and upgrade them to a single raised gyratory, where traffic would use a bridge system over the A249.

Other features could include an additional bridge north east of the existing A249 crossing, installing traffic lights on the gyratory, altering the roundabout approach and exit from Grovehurst Road and Swale Road.

The A249 slip roads facing Sheppey at the junction could also be completely reconstructed.

The Grovehurst roadworks will also be funded through HIF and cost an estimated £32.8m.

KCC hope the changes will reduce congestion and support development in the area.

In 2019, a bid for the ‘Swale Transport Infrastructure’ was accepted by the government, meaning 7,899 homes can be built.

Cllr James Hunt, who represents The Meads, said: “For both proposals they shouldn’t be being considered for additional housing and should only be looked at ensuring they deliver the housing that is already planned. That said, Swale Borough Council is planning on adding around 1,000 dwellings to Sittingbourne town centre and it is important upgrades do come forward to cope with this.

“Without the Key Street upgrades I can’t see the council’s plans to build in the town centre can be delivered. Both upgrades are important to ensure that businesses in the area have the capacity to expand.”

The consultation will close on Tuesday, January 26.

For more information, click here.

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