Quinn Estates, in partnership with Kent Science Park and a number of local landowners, has submitted two planning applications for a £4bn scheme titled Highsted Park

The scheme incorporates:

  • 9,250 homes (of which 2,775 would be affordable)
  • 4 primary schools
  • 1 secondary school
  • 520 acres of parks and outdoor space
  • Sports hub for Sittingbourne FC
  • New junction on the M2 – including Southern Relief Road
  • Doubling the number of motorway junctions serving Swale and Sittingbourne

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The improved accessibility would support businesses in the area including the two business parks in Sittingbourne – Eurolink and KSP – which collectively cover nearly 4m sq ft of space. The plans also include the creation of around 80 acres of new commercial space including offices and manufacturing and distribution space, alongside an extension to Kent Science Park.

“We are pleased to have submitted our planning applications for Highsted Park, Sittingbourne. The final proposal for 9,250 homes, the expansion of the [Kent] science park and the delivery of significant strategic, community and environmental infrastructure has been shaped by significant consultation, which included the delivery of two virtual engagements during the extended UK pandemic restrictions,” said Ben Geering, development director at Quinn Estates.

“This is the only scheme coming forward in the borough that provides significant air-quality benefits, addresses strategic infrastructure needs and delivers positive housing and economic growth potential to the wider Swale area and to Sittingbourne in particular.

“A fundamental part of the scheme is the delivery of a new, privately funded Junction 5A on the M2; over 100,000 people utilise the existing junction, so what’s needed is an approach that provides for a new link-road capacity, and for this significant infrastructure to be delivered at the outset. As a principal town, Sittingbourne has just one connection to the strategic road network and this development unlocks the true potential of Sittingbourne.”

The scheme is set to provide 8,000 jobs and is expected to be delivered at the end of 2023.

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