Former military base set for 450 homes

An application to put 450 homes on a former military base in Kent has been submitted for approval.

Homes England wants permission, in principle, for the housing at what was the Ministry of Defence's (MOD) Chattenden Barracks on the Hoo Peninsula.

The MOD sold the wider Lodge Hill site, including Chattenden Barracks, to Homes England in 2016 after withdrawing plans, which were approved by Medway Council for 5,000 homes.

Homes England says it will soon submit plans to Medway Council relating to proposed restorative work at the site north of Chattenden as part of the Whose Hoo initiative to benefit the landscape.

In March 2025, the government's housing and regeneration agency requested a scoping opinion for the site near Lodge Hill for up to 500 homes.

Following this, Homes England received feedback and new documents said the proposals would include a convenience store, allotments, open spaces and play areas.

Locals also asked that the design retained or reflected the military history of the area.

The 25.3-hectare (62.5-acre) plot is next to the Chattenden Woods and Lodge Hill site of special scientific interest (SSSI), which is an official environmental designation.

Because of the proximity to the site, which has a population of nightingales, Homes England says it has considered measures to mitigate any possible impact as a result of the housing.

Once validated, residents will be able to share their thoughts on the proposals.

The final decision will likely be made by members of the council's planning committee due to the scale of the proposals.

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