05 - 02 - 2026
Planning permission has been granted for Ashmere Phase 4, marking a key milestone in the delivery of the wider Eastern Quarry masterplan in Kent. This phase forms part of BPTW’s ongoing involvement within the Eastern Quarry masterplan, with a vision to create a neighbourhood that reflects Kent’s evolved landscape. The approved Reserved Matters Application brings forward a new residential neighbourhood shaped by landscape, heritage and strong connections to open spaces.
Ashmere Phase 4 is a residential development on a vacant site, framing the south-west corner of the masterplan. Occupying a dramatic setting, defined by quarried cliffs around its edges, a new Neighbourhood Green at the heart, a lake to the south and an ecological swale corridor to the west, its landscape-focused context played a defining role in the development of the scheme’s character and layout.
The approved scheme will deliver 228 new homes with a tenure-blind mix of private market sale, private rented sector, shared ownership and affordable rent homes. Residential quality has been prioritised throughout, with 91% of dwellings dual aspect, maximising daylight, outlook and passive ventilation measures.
The site layout is designed to maximise views across open spaces and green infrastructure, promote clear wayfinding and create a strong sense of legibility through a hierarchy of streets and wayfinding points. A landmark building at the north-west corner twins with a previous phase to create a gateway to the neighbourhood as part of a sequence of flat blocks. Carefully positioned buildings and landscape treatments preserve view corridors towards the chalk cliffs, while a hierarchy of streets and spaces supports intuitive movement throughout.
Overall, 33% of the homes benefit from direct frontage onto communal external amenity areas including the Neighbourhood Green, Ashmere Loop green corridor and the lake. The Neighbourhood Green sits at the heart of the site, with the western and southern boundaries directly interfacing with surrounding public open spaces.
The architectural approach is shaped by three distinct urban character areas, developed in line with the masterplan design code and referencing the transformative nature of the land over time. These include the Cliffside character, inspired by the textures, irregular form and horizontal strata of the quarried cliffs; Farmland Heritage character drawing on the area’s former agricultural farmsteads around arable land; and Waterside Heritage character informed by historic wharf and warehouse typologies prominent within the region. Together, these character areas create a varied yet cohesive townscape with a strong sense of place.
Sustainability is integral to the scheme’s design approach. The scheme incorporates 100% electric vehicle (EV) charging, air source heat pumps and infrastructure that supports walking, cycling and active travel. The design also scores highly against Building for a Healthy Life principles, with a clear street hierarchy, legible routes and integrated green and blue infrastructure that promotes wellbeing, safety and ease of movement.
In response to the planning approval, Chris Foot, Associate Development Director at Vistry Kent, said:
“I feel like we have produced a scheme that is really quite special and look forward to seeing this phase come to life in the near future.”
This phase marks BPTW’s first planning application within the Ashmere development. A significant milestone achieved by the BPTW team working closely with the wider consultant and project team.
