Plans to increase the supply of temporary accommodation in Tonbridge and Malling have moved a significant step forward after councillors unanimously approved a modular homes development at the former Blue Bell Hill car park near Aylesford.

At a meeting of Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council, all councillors voted in favour of granting planning permission for 12 self-contained modular units. The £4 million scheme is intended to provide temporary accommodation for local families experiencing homelessness, for whom the council has a statutory duty to house.

Demand for temporary accommodation in the borough has risen in recent years, with around 120 households requiring housing support at any one time. While the council owns or leases approximately 30 properties in the Tonbridge area, it has faced challenges securing suitable accommodation in the north of the borough. The authority currently spends around £2.5 million each year on temporary accommodation.

The approved development will see modular homes manufactured off-site and assembled on location, allowing for faster delivery and reduced disruption compared with traditional construction methods. The homes will be designed to be high-quality and energy efficient, featuring high-performance insulation and low-carbon technologies such as solar photovoltaic panels and heat pumps to reduce energy consumption and running costs. An on-site office will also be provided, enabling council housing staff to manage the accommodation and support residents.

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Award-winning modular housing specialist Zed Pods Limited has been appointed to design and construct the homes. The next stage of the project will involve site preparation and factory construction of the modules, due to begin this spring. On-site assembly is scheduled to start in the summer, with completion expected in spring 2027.

Cllr Robin Betts, the council’s cabinet member for housing, said: "This marks an important milestone in what is a unique project for Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council. I’m extremely pleased that planning permission was unanimously approved, allowing us to move ahead with this scheme to provide much-needed accommodation in the north of the borough, for families who find themselves in the difficult position of losing their home or becoming homeless.

"By investing in this scheme, we are not only addressing a pressing problem in terms of increased homelessness but also safeguarding our supply of accommodation and delivering better value for money."

Tom Northway, Chairman of Zed Pods Limited, said: "We are delighted to have secured planning for this development in collaboration with Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council. This high-quality, energy-efficient modular housing scheme will demonstrate how modern off-site construction can rapidly deliver sustainable well-designed accommodation, providing long-term value for both residents and the council."