Ground has officially been broken on an innovative housing development designed to provide vital temporary accommodation for families facing homelessness in Tonbridge and Malling.
Located on the site of a former commuter car park at Blue Bell Hill, the project will feature 12 permanent, self-contained modular homes. The scheme is the first of its kind for the borough and represents a major milestone in local efforts to address the rising demand for short-term housing.
Addressing a Growing Housing Crisis
Currently, between 90 and 100 households in Tonbridge and Malling require temporary accommodation—a service that costs the council roughly £2.2 million each year. While the council operates around 30 owned or leased properties, securing suitable housing in the northern part of the borough has historically presented a challenge. The new Blue Bell Hill development directly aims to plug that gap.
Unanimously approved by councillors earlier this year, the scheme prioritizes both sustainability and longevity. Designed with a lifespan exceeding 100 years, the units will achieve an EPC A energy rating. Each home will incorporate high-performance insulation alongside low-carbon technologies, including air-source heat pumps and solar photovoltaic panels, significantly lowering energy consumption and running costs for residents.
“It’s great to be here today to mark the construction of these EPC A-rated energy-efficient homes,” said Cllr Robin Betts, Cabinet Member for Housing, Environment, and Economy. “Everyone has a right to a decent place to live, and we are proud to be able to deliver this innovative modular housing project to support local families from Tonbridge and Malling.”
Off-Site Construction and Community Support
The project is being delivered by specialist firm Zed Pods Limited. By precision-building the units off-site before assembling them on location, the project benefits from accelerated delivery times and significantly reduced disruption to the surrounding community compared to traditional construction methods.
Tom Northway, Chairman of Zed Pods Ltd, highlighted the collaboration: “We are delighted to be working collaboratively with Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council on this important modular housing project, which shows how offsite construction can help deliver high-quality, energy-efficient homes.”
To ensure ongoing assistance for occupants, the development will also feature an on-site office, enabling council housing staff to manage the facilities and provide direct support to residents.
Site preparation is currently underway, with the modular units scheduled for assembly at Blue Bell Hill in September. Construction is expected to complete in time for the first residents to move in by Spring next year.
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