Chartway, working in partnership with the Hyde Group, has broken ground on a new development that will deliver 135 affordable homes at Swanstree Avenue, Sittingbourne.
The milestone marks the beginning of construction on a scheme that will help address the growing need for affordable housing in Swale while creating a vibrant new neighbourhood shaped by sustainable, community-focused design.
The development will comprise a mix of two, three and four-bedroom homes for affordable rent and shared ownership, enabling more individuals and families to put down roots in Sittingbourne. Located close to schools, local amenities and excellent transport links, the new homes will benefit from a well-connected place to live with easy access to employment, education and leisure opportunities.
Every home will be built to EPC A energy efficiency standards and will incorporate air source heat pumps, solar panels and electric vehicle charging points, helping future residents reduce carbon emissions while managing household energy costs.
Alongside the new homes, the development has been carefully designed to reflect the character of the surrounding area, with sustainable drainage features, extensive landscaping, children’s play areas, public open space, biodiversity enhancements and new pedestrian and cycle connections creating a greener, healthier and better-connected neighbourhood.
The project is being delivered by Chartway in partnership with Hyde, alongside Homes England and Swale Borough Council, reflecting a shared commitment to increasing the supply of high-quality affordable homes across the region.
Having successfully secured planning for the scheme, and undertaken early-stage archaeological and infrastructure enabling works, the project now enters its delivery phase, transforming the planning vision into a thriving new community while creating wider benefits through local employment opportunities, apprenticeships, support for local businesses and community engagement throughout the construction programme.
Oliver Jolley, Group Chief Development Officer at Chartway Partnerships Group, said:
“Breaking ground at Swanstree Avenue is an important milestone and the result of the close collaboration between all of our partners to bring this development forward.
“This development demonstrates what strong partnerships can achieve. Together, we’re delivering 135 high-quality affordable homes, while creating a sustainable new neighbourhood that has been thoughtfully designed around the needs of future residents. It’s exciting to see work now underway as we begin turning that vision into reality.”
Jaime Buckley, Group Development Director at Hyde, said:
“These 135 affordable homes will give more local people the opportunity to live in high-quality, energy-efficient homes that are affordable to run, while creating a neighbourhood that residents can be proud to be part of for many years to come.
“Working alongside Chartway and our partners, we’re delighted to be delivering homes that will make a lasting difference to individuals, families and the wider community.”
Construction is now underway, with the show home expected to open in spring 2027 and the first homes being completed shortly afterwards. The development is scheduled for full completion in summer 2028.
