Frequently Asked Questions

The site

  • The site is in private ownership. Taylor Wimpey have an option to buy the land.

  • 7.41 hectares

  • The site is located to the north of Green Lane and is bounded by Norwood Lane and Camer Road. It lies adjacent to the existing settlement edge of Meopham, near Churchway Wood and within walking distance of Camer Park Country Park.

  • Farmland

The proposals

  • The proposal is for a new residential neighbourhood of up to 150 homes, including 50% affordable housing. The development will incorporate significant public open space, new tree planting, biodiversity enhancements, sustainable drainage features, and improved pedestrian and cycle connections.

    The development will incorporate over 1.6 hectares of public open space, new tree planting, biodiversity enhancements achieving at least a 10 per cent biodiversity net gain, sustainable drainage features, and improved pedestrian and cycle connections.

  • Yes. The scheme will provide 50% affordable housing, in line with local policy. This could include a mix of affordable rent and shared ownership.

  • Although the site is within the Green Belt, detailed assessments show it makes only a weak contribution to Green Belt purposes. It is well-contained by existing roads and development, with no significant environmental or heritage constraints.

    The site is in a highly sustainable location, close to schools, shops, community facilities, bus stops and Meopham station, making it well suited for new homes.

    The proposals would deliver 50% affordable housing, meeting national policy requirements and helping to address local housing needs. Taylor Wimpey will also work with the local authority to ensure appropriate investment in local infrastructure through the planning process.

  • The development will include a mix of densities that reflect the character of the local area. Higher-density housing is proposed near the existing residential areas, while lower-density housing is planned for the rural edges. The layout is designed to respond sensitively to the surrounding landscape and heritage context.

Highways and transport

  • Vehicle access will be from Green Lane. Pedestrian and cycle connections will link the site to Norwood Lane, existing footpaths, and nearby community amenities. The exisiting PRoW will also be maintained and enhanced as part of the proposals.

  • The scheme will deliver new footways and cycle paths that connect to existing public rights of way and Camer Park. These improvements are designed to promote walking and cycling and reduce car dependency.

  • A full Transport Assessment will be prepared to assess access and safety. Any necessary highway improvements, including visibility splays and traffic calming measures, will be agreed with the local highway authority.

  • Parking will be provided in accordance with local guidance. A mix of on-plot and visitor parking will be included, along with EV charging points.

  • Yes. Traffic modelling will be undertaken, and appropriate mitigation, if required, will be secured through planning obligations in agreement with Kent County Council.

Housing detail

  • Homes will typically be two storeys in height, with potential for occasional 2.5-storey buildings where suitable. Building heights and spacing will reflect the local character.

  • The development will offer a range of one to four-bedroom homes, including both affordable and market homes. This mix is designed to support a diverse, inclusive community. However, the exact housing mix is still being refined and will be shaped by community feedback and further technical work.

  • The scheme will include detached, semi-detached, and terraced homes, suitable for families, individuals, older people, and first-time buyers. The final range and layout of homes will evolve in response to consultation with local residents.

  • Homes will be built using high-quality materials that reflect Meopham’s traditional character. Careful attention will be given to design, detailing, and landscaping to ensure the development sits comfortably within its setting.

Impact on neighbouring area

  • Framed long-range views towards St Mildred’s Church will be retained. Views from the Kent Downs National Landscape will be minimal due to existing topography and natural screening.

    Development will be set back from sensitive boundaries, with new landscaping and tree planting providing visual screening.

  • The layout includes landscape buffers to ensure privacy is respected for both existing and future residents.

  • A heritage assessment has been undertaken and confirms a low level of impact.

  • Construction noise will be managed through a Construction Management Plan, and the design will include appropriate buffers to minimise noise during occupation.

  • Yes. A sensitive lighting strategy will be used to minimise light spill and protect local ecology and dark sky quality.

Environment and landscape

  • Existing woodland, mature trees, and hedgerows will be retained wherever possible. New habitat areas, including wildflower grassland and native planting, will support biodiversity.

  • The intention is to retain existing trees and hedgerows along site boundaries and within the public open space. Where removal is unavoidable, compensatory planting will be provided.

  • The scheme will include extensive landscaping, tree planting, and open spaces. A 15m buffer will be retained around Churchway Wood, and green corridors will link the site with Camer Park and the wider countryside. Specific landscaping details will be developed as consultation progresses.

Flooding and drainage

  • The site lies within Flood Zone 1 (low risk). Surface water will be managed through a sustainable drainage system (SuDS), including attenuation basins and swales.

  • A site-wide drainage strategy will be submitted as part of the planning application, ensuring surface water is retained and discharged sustainably on site.

  • Foul drainage will be connected to the existing network in consultation with Southern Water, ensuring capacity and compliance with relevant standards.

Sustainability

  • The proposals include energy-efficient building design, sustainable drainage, EV charging points, and biodiversity enhancements. Homes will be constructed in accordance with modern building regulations, promoting long-term sustainability. Further details will emerge through consultation and ongoing design work.

Construction

  • A Construction Management Plan will control delivery hours, vehicle routing, noise, and dust suppression. Best practice construction techniques will be used to minimise disruption.

Consultation

  • Residents will be invited to view materials online and feedback will be encouraged via email, feedback forms, or direct contact with the project team.

  • Leaflets have been distributed to households surrounding the site and in key areas of Meopham to ensure awareness.

  • Yes. All feedback will be reviewed and considered as part of the design development process. A Statement of Community Involvement will be submitted with the planning application.

Planning and delivery

  • The site currently lies outside the settlement boundary, within the Green Belt. However, it is a well-contained site that forms a logical extension to the village.

  • A planning application is expected to be submitted in Autumn 2025, following ongoing technical work and public consultation.

  • Subject to securing planning permission, construction could begin in 2027, with development phased over a period of approximately 3 - 4 years.