Redevelopment of library site a step nearer to fruition
Ambitious plans to redevelop the former Springfield Library site in Maidstone have advanced.
The Sandling Lane plot was sold by Kent County Council to Peker Holdings in July 2016, having been derelict for the past eight years.
Demolition was due to start earlier this year but was delayed after large amounts of asbestos were found on the facades of the site’s buildings.
Outline planning permission for 100 apartments, 14 houses and 47 parking spaces was first granted in 2009 and was renewed five years later but the scheme fell through and the land was sold by KCC for a reported £2.8 million last July.
Now Peker wants to amend the existing planning permission for the development, which will be known as Tennyson Gardens, to allow the building of 162 apartments, 85 parking bays, green space and 500sq m of community facilities, to include a doctors surgery and nursery.
The flats are constrained to one building incorporating three distinct sections along with on-site parking.
The supporting statement reads: “The site is ideal for residential development due to the close proximity of Maidstone town centre and Whatman Park and also the proximity and strong public transport links into the centre of London.
“The design has evolved to respect the neighbouring properties and respond to existing trees to the east and south of the site. The proposal seeks to retain and enhance the existing landscape, offering an established and mature environment for the residents to enjoy.”
A public consultation was held at St Faith’s Hall, Moncktons Lane, Ringlestone, in July.
During this, concerns were raised about the parking provision. As a result of this the design has been amended to include 20 more spaces – up from 65.
So far a number of residents have objected on the basis that they believe development to be too intensive, the detrimental impact on the light coming in to nearby buildings and insuffi- cient parking space.
Before work can commence the developer needs to clear several single and two-storey buildings and a disused 13-storey tower block.
To view or comment on the application, visit pa.midkent. gov.uk and search for 17/504568/FULL