Chartway Partnerships Group, 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. It will also create 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. It will enable more individuals and families to put down roots in Sittingbourne. The new homes will benefit from a well-connected place to live with easy access to employment, education and leisure opportunities.
Sustainability as top priority
Every house will meet EPC A energy efficiency standards. Each will incorporate air source heat pumps, solar panels and EV charging points, helping future residents reduce carbon emissions and household energy costs.
Alongside the new homes, the development’s design carefully reflects the character of the surrounding area. The community will feature sustainable drainage, 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.
New neighbourhood coming soon
Chartway is delivering the project in partnership with Hyde, Homes England and Swale Borough Council. The partnership reflects a shared commitment to increasing the supply of high-quality affordable homes across the region.
With planning secured and early stage archaeological and infrastructure enabling works complete, the project team now moves into the delivery phase. It transforms the planning vision into a thriving new community. Meanwhile, it creates wider benefits through local employment opportunities, apprenticeships, support for local businesses and community engagement.
Oliver Jolley, Group Chief Development Officer at Chartway Partnerships Group, said, “Breaking ground at Swanstree Avenue is an important milestone. 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. We are 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 set to open in spring 2027, the project team will complete the first homes shortly afterwards. The full development will be ready by summer 2028.