Prince William’s 2,500-home estate in Faversham could be ‘most sustainable neighbourhood ever’ / Inside new huge 135-hectare estate on Prince William’s estate – with own cricket ground and hotel

 

Prince William’s 2,500-home estate in Faversham could be ‘most sustainable neighbourhood ever’

Brad Harper

bharper@thekmgroup.co.uk

Published: 16:31, 28 February 2024 | Updated: 07:00, 29 February 2024

https://www.kentonline.co.uk/faversham/news/prince-s-2-500-home-estate-could-be-most-sustainable-neighb-302565/

 

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Prince William’s estate revealed its 2,500 homes development will be the country’s largest eco-village.

 

Solar panel roofs and heat pumped up from the ground will power airtight houses throughout the Faversham estate.

 

The Duchy of Cornwall claims its state-of-the-art battery-powered homes – dubbed South East Faversham – will produce zero emissions.

 

If Swale Borough Council (SBC) approves the plans, it will take about 20 years to build by delivering up to 150 homes each year.

Inside new huge 135-hectare estate on Prince William’s estate – with own cricket ground and hotel

 

The South East Faversham housing development proposed by Prince William's Duchy of Cornwall will include 2,500 homes and an array of eco-friendly features - but it'll take 20 years to complete

 

The Duchy of Cornwall's plans will include 2,500 homes

By Benedict Tetzlaff-Deas News Reporter

09:18, 22 Mar 2024

https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/inside-new-huge-135-hectare-32413988

 

Ambitious plans for a sprawling 135-hectare housing development on Prince William's estate have been revealed.

 

The Duchy of Cornwall says the proposed site near the town of Faversham in Kent will create "2,500 beautiful, high-quality" homes to address a shortage in the area, as well as a new cricket ground and hotel.

 

It will also have plenty of green credentials, with developers proposing that cutting-edge eco-friendly technology will be installed across the site.

 

But it won't be a hive of activity straight away - as it'll take 20 years to finish.

 

Around 150 homes will be built each year until the site, named South East Faversham, is completed.

 

Full details of the plans have appeared on the Swale Borough Council website after being submitted in December. Of the 2,500 new houses to built under the scheme, at least 875 will be affordable under current policy requirements, while 400 are to be socially rented homes. The Duchy, which is headed by Prince William, has also said there will be an emphasis on creating a walkable community, with estimates of at least 20% fewer car trips in the area compared to developments of a similar size.

 

State-of-the-art battery power technology will meanwhile commit the housing to a zero-emissions target, with solar panels installed on all suitable properties built. Homes will also be hooked up to a smart grid, meaning grid power will only be used when local sustainable electricity is not available. Developers have said over the half of the land will be comprised of green space, including public parks, wildflower meadows, community orchards, woodlands, and allotments.

 

Plans also include a water recycling centre, located near the A2 road. A cricket ground, hotel and three-form entry primary school are included in the Duchy's proposals, alongside a number of business properties.

 

While some have welcomed the new houses promised by the scheme, other residents have said they are worried the development will result in increased traffic and pollution for the area. In a comment on the council's planning portal, one local woman said: “The infrastructure in and around Faversham is not able to take yet more houses.

 

"Our roads are becoming gridlocked due to the amount of development going on and this will just add more traffic. This will cause yet more pollution for Faversham - as with other developments - it is on the outskirts of town and people will not walk, they will use their cars."

 

Kensington Palace have been approached for comment. A description of the development on the Duchy of Cornwall website reads: "We aim to address housing shortages in Faversham and the surrounding area by providing 2,500 beautiful, high-quality and affordable homes and jobs in a vibrant mixed-use, mixed income, and walkable community.

 

"This new neighbourhood for Faversham aims to provide an equality of opportunity for all, with access to housing, education, employment, and enterprise regardless of background. Our design will complement the unique historic character and identity of Faversham."