Clarion Housing to build homes on former WWII airfield

Clarion Housing Group has bought three sites at the Kings Hill scheme in Kent, where it plans to build 166 new homes, around two thirds of which will be a combination of social rent and affordable housing.

The housing association bought the 8.5 acres of land on a former 650-acre WWII airfield, RAF West Malling, complete with planning permission, from Rouse Kent Residential.

A jv between Kent County Council and the UK operation of US investment firm and property developer Liberty Property Trust, Rouse Kent Residential has responsibility for the initial provision of infrastructure and amenities within the residential area of the Kings Hill scheme.

The UK arm of Liberty Property Trust is developing the Kings Hill site for Kent county council.

Financial details of Clarion’s purchase were not revealed.

The housing association has appointed Folkestone-based contractor Jenner to build 24 social rent homes, 54 affordable homes, 34 shared ownership homes and 54 homes for private sale.

Work has already started on the sites and construction is expected to be completed by late 2020. The properties will be a mix of one and two-bedroom flats and two, three and four-bedroom houses.

During WWII RAF West Malling saw active service in the Battle of Britain, while squadron leader Guy Gibson, who later commanded the famous ‘Dambuster’ raid, was posted to the base in 1941.