The plans have seen support from a local football club
Gladman has said that 40 per cent of the proposed housing would be affordable.(Image: Gladman Developments Ltd)
Proposals have been put forward to Maidstone Borough Council for the construction of a new 263-home development in Headcorn that would also boost the area’s sport and leisure offering.
Land promoter Gladman has submitted the plans for the large-scale project off Lenham Road on the north-eastern edge of the village.
Alongside the new housing, the plans detail the use of 15 acres of land for the creation of new sports pitches and community spaces.
Gladman has been working with Headcorn FC, who are part of the Headcorn Community Sports and Leisure Trust, regarding the development of new pitches for a range of uses, alongside changing room facilities.
Under the current plans, the land would be transferred to the Trust who would then manage the facilities for the community day-to-day.
Of the development site, which spans 29.75 hectares in total, 6.13 hectares of this would be used for the sport pitches and community assets, while two-thirds of the space, or 16.1 hectares, has been earmarked for green infrastructure.
This includes formal and informal public open space, a community orchard, landscaping and planting, footpaths and recreational routes, a children’s play area and attenuation basins.
The housing then would cover just 7.52 hectares and comprise starter homes for younger people and those looking to take a first step onto the property ladder, alongside family homes with space to grow.
Ultimately it is calculated that this split would result in a biodiversity net gain of 20 per cent. Gladman has said that 40 per cent of the housing would consist of affordable homes for sale and rent, helping to meet local demand.
Two accesses for the development would be created, both of which branching from Lenham Road. Meanwhile the new sports pitches would sit directly opposite Headcorn FC’s current grounds.
Richard Naylor, planning manager at Gladman, said: “Our plans will deliver much needed high-quality, sustainable housing, including over a hundred affordable homes, which will give more people the opportunity to stay in Headcorn. We’re also responding to a local need for new community amenities with land provided for new pitches and facilities for a range of sports, not just football.
“We’ve updated the plans following consultation with stakeholders and the local community, concentrating the housing within a smaller footprint and allowing for more usable open space for the community to enjoy.
“We believe that our vision will create a positive lasting legacy in Headcorn that supports the viability of the village and the wellbeing of its residents.
“We’d like to thank everyone who took part in our consultation and shared their feedback.” A consultation on the plans was held last year following conversations between Headcorn Football Club and the wider community which showed strong demand for new sports facilities in the village. The construction of the pitches and facilities would be subject to future detailed designs and separate planning approval.
This submitted application is just outline only, meaning it will decide the principle of the development and its access. Maidstone Borough Council is due to make a decision on the application by Wednesday, April 8 2026.
Matthew Botley, Chairman of Headcorn Football Club, said: “We believe these plans have the potential to deliver much needed improvements to Headcorn’s sports and community facilities.
“This is a culmination of constructive engagement we’ve had with the local community, and working with Gladman, it gives us the platform to turn our ideas into a reality.
“Our vision is about bringing together a variety of local sports and clubs, not just football, to create a new Headcorn Community Sports and Leisure Trust which will ensure the facilities are shaped, managed and cared for on behalf of the whole community.” You can find the application in full on the Maidstone Borough Council planning portal with reference 25/505188.
Get more news from KentLive straight to your inbox for free HERE.
