Ebbsfleet Development Corporation have approved Henley Development’s application to bring forward the District Centre in Whitecliffe, marking a significant milestone for delivery in Ebbsfleet.
Ebbsfleet Development Corporation has approved plans for the first phase of Alkerden Market Centre, a mixed-use District Centre in Ebbsfleet in an application submitted by Henley Developments (Henley). The proposals include 83 affordable homes, a nursery, gym, neighbourhood green public open space and Morrisons supermarket and café.
The development will bring forward much needed amenities to the growing community and create over 100 jobs for local people.
Mark Pullin, Director of Planning & Place at Ebbsfleet Development Corporation, has commended the application. ‘We are pleased to enter an exciting period of development in Ebbsfleet, and look forward to Henley bringing forward this integral site for the growing Ebbsfleet community. Extensive consultation has taken place to ensure that the development meets the needs of the local community and we look forward to the facilities providing ample access to green space and a variety of services.’
In what is a challenging site to develop, the scheme has been designed to achieve BREEAM Excellent. The scheme will deliver against a number of Garden City principles – providing mixed tenure homes and affordable housing types, provision of a range of jobs, a development that enhances the natural environment, a green infrastructure network, strong cultural, recreational and shopping facilities and integrated and accessible transport systems with walking cycling and public transport designed to be the most attractive forms of local transport.
Alkerden Market Centre will form the centrepiece to the wider development, providing a mix of commercial, retail and community facilities and will sit alongside the Alkerden Education Campus. Planning permission for Alkerden Education Campus was granted in November 2021 for a primary and secondary school, dual use sports centre, sports pitches, running track and sports courts. There are also further plans for a community building, known as Alkerden Hub, which is proposed to include a library, lifelong learning centre and faith space.
Alkerden Market Centre will be brought forward in four parcels, with Weston Homes submitting a Reserved Matters Planning Application to Ebbsfleet Development Corporation for parcels 2 and 3 in December 2022. Parcels 2 and 3 propose 412 homes alongside other retail, food and beverage outlets for the public to enjoy. It is anticipated to go to planning committee later this year.
Upon completion, the Fastrack service is proposed to run through Alkerden Market Centre, providing efficient, connected and sustainable transport opportunities for residents.
Henley have proposed a completion date of the first parcel by early 2025 with the supermarket anticipated to open in the summer 2025.