Carpenters Yard

The first Community Land Trust in Kent to gain planning consent – the scheme provides much needed affordable housing for the community.

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Overview

OSG are proud to have been part of the team working on this scheme for 13 new dwellings in the village of Shepherdswell. The scheme was a joint venture between the Shepherdswell and Coldred Community Land Trust and English Rural Housing Association, on land that was owned by The Church Commissioners (the land is now owned by the Community Land Trust).

OSG worked with English Rural to secure the planning consent to deliver these 13 new homes in 2022. The development is the outcome of many years of hard work with English Rural partnering with Shepherdswell and Coldred Community Land Trust to form Kent’s very first Community Land Trust. The go-ahead for this scheme, the idea for which has been ten years in the making, marks a turning point for community-led housing in Kent.

Project Details

  • Project Name

  • Carptenters Yard, Coxhill Road
  • Location

  • Shepherdswell
  • Client

  • English Rural Housing Association and Shepherdswell and Coldred Community Land Trust
  • Project Value

  • Undisclosed
  • Completion details

  • On site to Spring 2024
  • Project Team

  • Contractor: WW Martin

    QS & Employers Agent: B&M

    Engineer: Alan Baxter Partnership

    Landscaping: Hill Wood & Co

    RIBA Stages: 0-6

construction detail

Timber frame construction coupled with highly insulated building fabric and doors/windows ensure superior energy efficiency.

energy efficiency

Energy efficiency is maximised through the integration of energy-efficient boilers with heat recovery systems, alongside the highly insulated building fabric and doors/windows.

At the design stage, SAPs demonstrate a minimum B rating for both energy efficiency and environmental impact, showcasing our commitment to sustainability.

ecology

Ecology is enhanced through native planting initiatives and the implementation of ecological enhancements such as bird and bat boxes, as well as bee posts.

accessibility and parking

Enhancing accessibility for all, we've upgraded existing public right-of-way surfaces, ensuring inclusivity and ease of movement.

Catering to the needs of existing residents in Shepherdswell, we've provided additional parking bays on-site, enhancing convenience and usability.

client testimonial

"OSG rose to the challenges of designing a scheme of affordable homes on this prominent, sensitive and sloping rural site. Tracey and the team were always highly approachable and responsive throughout the project which resulted in a scheme that is much loved by the residents and that will serve the local community for many generations to come. Thank you for your hard work, it’s been a pleasure working with you."

- Graham Mann, Development Design Manager, English Rural

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