A solution for Sheppey
The urgent need for regeneration
AN UNSUSTAINABLE PARK IN NEED OF CHANGE
The current situation at Kent Parks is unsustainable and the site has suffered a long period of gradual decline over many years.
It no longer functions as a viable and good quality holiday park and a substantial level of unauthorised residential occupation has occurred, with many people living permanently in caravans that are poorly insulated, well beyond their design life, and wholly unsuited to modern living standards.
This form of hidden residential use has further undermined the quality and character of the park, creating a poor environment for both permanent occupiers and visitors. The result is a site that fails to deliver either as a holiday destination or as a place to live, and which contributes negatively to the wider public realm.
The challenge is significant and the need for a long-term solution for this brownfield site that meets local housing need and delivers significant local economic, social and environmental benefits is urgent.
Why is investment needed?
THE CHALLENGES OF THE CURRRENT SITUTION
SOCIAL & ECONOMIC COSTS TO THE LOCAL COMMUNITY
Ongoing decline places pressure on local services and harms community wellbeing
SITE IS NOT FINANCIALLY VIABLE IN CURRENT STATE
Low-quality accommodation and unmanaged use prevent the park from generating sustainable income or reinvestment
ILLEGAL LANDLORDS SUBLETTING CARAVANS
Bypassing basic standards and regulations
ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR WITH POLICE VISITS
Affecting safety and quality of life
HIDDEN HOMELESSNESS
Masking insecure and unsuitable living arrangements
UNAUTHORISED POOR QUALITY ACCOMMODATION
Many caravans are very poorly maintained
OWNERS NOT PAYING SITE FEES
Site operator loses essential revenue for maintenance and operations
PEOPLE LIVING ON SITE IN BREACH OF LICENSE AND NOT PAYING COUNCIL TAX
Local authorities miss out on income needed to support community services
POOR QUALITY INFRASTRUCTURE AND LANDSCAPES
Ageing infrastructure and neglected public spaces contribute to an unsafe and unattractive environment
Providing much-needed affordable housing
A BALANCED APPROACH TO HOUSING AND TOURISM
Kent Parks offers a practical, deliverable solution to the challenges facing the Isle of Sheppey - providing much-needed new homes, later living options and high-quality park homes equipped to also support tourism.
In partnership with Swale Borough Council and key stakeholders, the redevelopment will focus on replacing poor-quality caravan accommodation with a well-designed multi-use park.
Homes that work for real lives
THE PROPOSALS INCLUDE:
- Affordable housing for local families
- Social rental homes for those in need
- Later-living, assisted living and care communities
- Modern holiday accommodation to support the island’s visitor economy
- A community and transport hub with key facilities to support everyday living
The result will be a coherent and connected community that people can rely on for the long term.
Kent Parks is deliverable
SUPPORTING THE COUNCIL
The proposed park homes can be delivered within two years of planning approval - supporting Swale Borough Council in meeting its five-year housing land supply obligations under the National Planning Policy Framework.
Benefits for the whole community
KENT PARKS IS UNIQUELY POSITIONED TO DELIVER:
- Social prosperity and mobility
- Economic and employment benefits
- Environmental improvement through brownfield regeneration
Kent Parks unlocks overlooked parts of the Island and turns the site into something the community can be proud of.
Making a case for change
DOING NOTHING IS NO LONGER AN OPTION
Kent Parks represents a turning point for Eastchurch and for Sheppey.
Its redevelopment presents a chance to address decline with smart and sustainable design to create opportunities and provide housing security that lasts.
Stay in the loop
WE'LL KEEP YOU UPDATED AS THE PROPOSAL AND PLANNING PROGRESSES
