Obee Estates Shares Updated Vision For Oast Park

Obee Estates Ltd is preparing updated plans to develop the former Oast Park Golf Club site on the A228 at Birling, with the aim of bringing forward a high-quality, community-focused development on land that has been unused for some time since the closure of the golf club in 2017.

The plans respond to feedback received from the local planning authority on a previous planning application and reflect a sensitive approach to landscape, access and the provision of homes and community amenities. The planning authority has clarified via a formal Pre Application that it considers the site could potentially be considered to be classified as Grey Belt land.

Obee Estates is now seeking feedback from local Parish Councils and the community on the emerging plans ahead of the submission of an outline planning application this spring. A site masterplan and survey are now available at www.obeeholdings.co.uk/projects/oast-park.

The plans for Oast Park are focused on creating an attractive new development that provides new homes and community amenities, while ensuring that the development is accessible, integrated and beneficial to the wider area, minimising landscape impact.

The emerging plans include:

• The retention and enhancement of open green space in the north-east of the site, providing around 20 acres of publicly accessible walking, running and cycling routes, alongside a grass football pitch for community use
• A small community hub with a modest car park, with potential for public toilets, a small café and flexible meeting or office space
• Approximately 320 new homes, with 50% designated as affordable housing
• A varied mix of homes, including houses, apartments and self-build plots
• New dedicated access into the site from the A228 at Castle Way

The revised proposals no longer include a football stadium or floodlit sports pitches, allowing the focus to remain on homes, open space and facilities that can be used and enjoyed by the local community.

The revised scheme is being designed to minimise landscape impact, maintain a clear buffer between Snodland and Birling, and protect the distinct character of both settlements.

A programme of consultation and communication with the local community is currently taking place and Obee Estates is now inviting feedback on the proposals via a survey at www.obeeholdings.co.uk/projects/oast-park.