A developer has started to carry out assessments on former farmland and orchards set to become 135 “much-needed” affordable homes.

The six-hectare site in Swanstree Avenue, Sittingbourne, has now been fenced off.

The new estate is set to be a partnership project between builders Chartway and housing association The Hyde Group.

In June 2023, outline permission was granted for a development with open spaces, landscaping and a sustainable drainage system (SuDS) designed to reduce flood risk and provide biodiversity benefits.

Planning inspector Patrick Hanna stated at the time that the build would have only a “moderate adverse effect” on the landscape.

Since then, it has been purchased by Chartway and a public consultation was held on February 25, where residents could find out more about the scheme and the initial designs.

The properties would be sustainable, energy-efficient and “community-focused” – aiming to address the “growing need for high-quality and accessible housing” in the area.

They would be made up of mostly traditional brick, with some detailing or weatherboarding and front porches to help blend in with the surrounding neighbourhoods.

A new access point would be created off Swanstree Avenue, as well as a number of crossings along the road and a cycle path.

In the proposals, three S106 contributions will be made.

This includes £182,434 for the Highsted Road pedestrian footway and safety scheme, along with £14,339 and £15,376 for highway improvement works at the A2/Rectory Road and A2/Swanstree Avenue junctions.

Previously used by Chilton Manor Farm, the land was home to several apple and pear orchards, as well as polytunnels and hedging.

The family-run business also owned a shop and offered pick-your-own (PYO) facilities for customers.

However, at the beginning of March, it announced the farm was shutting after 50 years of trading.

Pictures now show the site surrounded by temporary metal fencing, with a digger spotted at the entrance.

It is understood "site enabling works” – which involves ecology, archaeology, fencing and ground investigations – are currently taking place.

The developers say a reserved matters planning application is set to be submitted to Swale council later this month.

It will provide more detail regarding the design, layout, appearance and landscaping of the new estate.

Once this has been approved, the main infrastructure works are expected to start in October and construction will begin in January 2026.

Oliver Jolley, group chief development officer at Chartway, said: “We’re excited to be partnering with Hyde on Swanstree Avenue to deliver much-needed affordable homes in Sittingbourne while maintaining our commitment to sustainability and community-centric design.

“Thank you to all the teams involved in working hard to bring this project forward and we’re looking forward to working closely with the Hyde team, Homes England, Swale council and the local community to bring this vision to life.”

Steven Morrice, development and sales director at Hyde, added: “We’re delighted to announce this acquisition – delivering much-needed affordable housing in a great location.

“Hyde, along with Chartway, will be delivering much-needed homes and turning it into a vibrant neighbourhood. I’m pleased that 100% of these high-quality homes here are going to be affordable.

“Having a safe, warm and comfortable home is so important and is still a challenge for so many.

“I’m looking forward to working together to build a community that everyone can be proud of.”

The estate is expected to be completed by October 2027.