Former BT site housing plans: Controversial Flats and Houses Get Go-Ahead in Gravesend
A major redevelopment of a former BT depot in Gravesend has been approved, paving the way for a new housing scheme that’s already dividing opinion among locals and councillors.
The green light has been given to build 76 new homes at Milton Place, transforming the long-vacant brownfield site into a residential hub. The project includes a four-storey apartment block and a mix of 15 semi-detached and detached houses.
The former BT storage facility, which also includes the council-managed Milton Place Car Park, a skate park and surrounding open space, has been under review for redevelopment for several years.
Its rich past features a church, school, playground, and the now-demolished Gravesend Lido, which closed its doors in the 1980s.
Last year, Gravesham Borough Council secured over £1.6 million in government support through the Brownfield Land Release Fund (BLRF2), which accelerated redevelopment plans.
The funding will help deliver 61 one-bedroom affordable and assisted-living flats for over-55s, alongside 15 larger family homes with two to four bedrooms.
While many welcome the new homes, the scheme has stirred strong opposition from both residents and councillors.
Improvements will be made to the open green space, new trees planted, and a new access route will be introduced via Milton Road.
However, the number of parking spaces will drop sharply, from 148 to just 84. The skate park and landscaped mound will be retained, offering some continuity for local residents.
The development is a joint venture between Gravesham Borough Council and The Hill Group under the banner of the Gravesham Community Investment Partnership (GCIP).
As it’s a council-led initiative, the plan went before the local authority’s planning committee, where it was approved with six votes in favour and three against.
Among those opposing the scheme was Conservative councillor Aaron Elliott, who criticised both the design and its potential consequences.
“I think, given the right design, it could contribute to the local area. It could look lovely, but as a design, I think it looks awful,” he said.
“Everything considered, I am struggling to see how I can put my name to this application and approve it.”
He warned about rising congestion, the loss of open space, and a design that fails to reflect the conservation standards expected of existing homeowners nearby.
Residents have also made their feelings known. Glenn White, who lives near the site, labelled the height of the proposed apartment block as “frankly ridiculous.”
“I want to make it clear that we do not oppose the development of the area per se, but what we do oppose is this development.
We think that this plan should be resubmitted and reconsidered because it has lots of flaws.”
Planning officers acknowledged the bulk of the design was larger than the surrounding buildings, but argued the scale was necessary.
Their report concluded the scheme was in line with planning policy and would not harm the area’s character or overdevelop the site.
“The proposed development has been designed in a contemporary style and would not result in an overdevelopment of the site or have a detrimental impact on the character, appearance or the quality of the area.”
Despite the pushback, council leader John Burden (Labour) emphasised the necessity of the project.
He acknowledged concerns over scale and style but defended the plan as crucial to addressing the borough’s need for affordable housing and age-specific accommodation.
“I fully understand people do not like new development in the area. However, we all support new housing coming to the area.
We need to have new development in the town and in the borough.”
Labour councillor Lyn Milner also supported the application, highlighting its potential to revitalise the town centre.
“It is exciting for the borough, and I think it is a good thing. It will encourage people to come into the town and explore what we have… perhaps have a cup of coffee, do their shopping, and meet with their friends.”
Planning officers will now move ahead with finalising the scheme’s planning conditions, layout, and section 106 agreement to secure local infrastructure funding from the developers.
In a related development, councillors also approved a modification to previously approved plans for the former Builders Yard in Lower Range Road.
The site, bought from Gravesend Churches Housing Association, will still host 14 two-bedroom flats, but the council has opted to raise the building’s height by 1.6 metres to mitigate flood risks.
The solution includes a void underneath the structure, along with ramps and steps to provide access.
Planning officers confirmed that the change won’t negatively impact the surrounding environment or neighbours’ quality of life.
As Gravesend continues to grow, the former BT site housing plans mark a defining step in reshaping the town’s urban landscape, though not without fierce debate.
