Ebbsfleet Development Corporation’s ambitious plans for the regeneration of 34.86 hectares of brownfield land around Ebbsfleet International Train Station have been approved.
The Corporation’s Planning Committee have resolved to grant the outline planning consent for Ebbsfleet Central East.
The approval is a key milestone in the delivery of Ebbsfleet Garden City, first announced in 2015, and involving building on a series of brownfield sites at one of the best-connected locations in England to create a ‘21st century garden city’ – with ambitions for a vibrant new community of up to 15,000 homes, with a city-style centre surrounding Ebbsfleet International train station.
Ebbsfleet Development Corporation, supported by The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, is driving forward the delivery of this major regeneration project that will unlock the huge potential of the area and provide access to important facilities such as jobs, healthcare, retail, business services and vital amenities for local communities.
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The plans are supported by an Illustrative Masterplan which demonstrates the overall ambition for the site, including 2,100 homes, of which 35% are Affordable Housing, 87,000m2 of office space, retail and leisure facilities, new open spaces and connectivity improvements, healthcare provision, a new school and community facilities which will guide future development of the site.
The Application Site has an extensive planning history, with Ebbsfleet Central having been earmarked for development since the early 2000’s. Ebbsfleet Development Corporation purchased the land in 2019 following lack of progress by the private sector owners, with the aim of transforming the site into an innovative and sustainable regional hub, supporting the full potential and ambitions for Ebbsfleet.
Public consultation throughout much of 2020 has helped shape the vision for Ebbsfleet Central East, along with extensive stakeholder engagement and feedback from local community members; current parking facilities around Ebbsfleet International Station will be re-provided within the scheme and the area transformed into modern new offices, contemporary apartments, and places for people to enjoy arts and culture alongside fitness and wellbeing, all on the doorsteps of high-quality and sustainable neighbourhoods.
The approved plans outline the proposed creation of a vibrant environment that is easily accessible, with integrated transport systems, a variety of retail, cultural and community uses, along with amenities responding to the needs of local workers, residents, and visitors. The outline planning application commits to the delivery of a primary healthcare facility (GP Services) and the Corporation will continue to work closely with NHS Partners to deliver this as a world class Health and Wellbeing Hub. These facilities, together with space for business, education and research will make up a leading-edge Health, Education & Innovation Quarter.
The approval by the Planning Committee, has established the parameters for connectivity, building heights, density, green and blue infrastructure and the mix of uses prior to construction by third party developers. Further detail will be developed as part of future masterplans and Reserved Matters applications.
Simon Dudley, Chair of Ebbsfleet Development Corporation Board, notes the significance of the approval:
“Ebbsfleet Central will be the heart of Ebbsfleet Garden City, capitalising on its unparalleled connectivity to deliver the next generation of high quality, flexible workspace, creating a new dynamic and innovative sub regional business hub integrated through well designed public realm and green spaces with vibrant, sustainable urban neighbourhoods and amenities to support a healthy, happy lifestyle.
This important milestone represents a significant step and our continued commitment to create a vibrant, sustainable and well-connected community in the heart of Ebbsfleet. The development will bring much needed housing, infrastructure, services and amenities to the area, enhancing quality of life for current and future residents. We look forward to progressing with the next stage of the plans.”
Having recently celebrated the 4,000th home under the Ebbsfleet Garden City scheme, the approval forms a critical step in delivering the heart of Ebbsfleet, with the Corporation recently celebrating delivering a record-breaking number of homes throughout 2022/23, with a focus on delivering vital infrastructure and amenities to support the growing population, making a major contribution to government commitments to increase the number of new homes built in the UK.
For more information on the ambition for Ebbsfleet Central, visit: www.ebbsfleetgardencity.org.uk/regeneration/ebbsfleet-central