Backland Development in Kent: Five New Homes Beside a Listed Building

We partnered with a planning-savvy developer to deliver five high-value new builds that respect the inter-war character of their village-edge setting while maximising the site’s potential.

Located behind a listed building and near a conservation area in Chestfield, the plot faced several planning challenges typical of infill housing. 

By carefully considering the local context and working closely with planners, we secured full permission for a distinctive new development in this premium location near Whitstable.

Combining timeless detailing with practical, contemporary layouts, this architect-led scheme fits naturally into its historic surroundings.

Pogles Wood: A Backland Plot Bordering A Conservation Area In Chestfield

Set behind a row of high-value detached homes, Pogles Wood lies in a quiet residential area with traditional inter-war homes featuring brick-and-render bases, half-timbered elevations, and clay-tiled roofs.

The site lies just outside a conservation area and is accessed via a private driveway that passes a Grade II listed building.

The plot’s tucked-away position made new development possible. However, it would require thoughtful design with modest, well-spaced building sizes and screening to reduce visual impact.

The land previously included a single-storey bungalow and swimming pool within a large garden bordered by mature trees. 

Engaging Taylor Roberts To Deliver A High-Value Backland Development

The Pogles Wood scheme was the first collaboration between Taylor Roberts and Walbax Ltd., a developer with professional backgrounds in town planning and heritage. 

Walbax had already engaged in pre-application discussions with the council. Although planners supported the proposal in principle, they requested a more organic layout and a design that better responded to the heritage context. 

We were brought in at RIBA Stage 2 to shape their vision into a viable, design-led proposal that would satisfy planners.

The Brief: A High-Value, Heritage-Sensitive Backland Development

The client’s goal was to replace the existing bungalow and swimming pool with a high-quality, distinctive housing scheme.

The homes needed to reflect the character of the neighboring inter-war properties without appearing pastiche or overwhelming them, and they needed to include sustainable design features.

The total gross internal area had to stay below 1,000m² to avoid triggering affordable housing contributions.

The Design

We developed a scheme of five detached family homes. Each house is unique in footprint and form, but a consistent design approach ties the development together.

We reworked the original row-based layout with a staggered site plan. The five homes are arranged around a central shared driveway that branches off a private access road, fitting naturally into their surroundings. 

The rooflines play a key role in tying the development to Chestfield’s inter-war character and making the scheme less repetitive. Several homes feature extended gables, traditional chimneys, or subtle jettying, while others maintain a more compact silhouette. 

To create a sense of openness and provide privacy, we carefully managed sightlines and left strategic gaps between dwellings.

We opted for open carports instead of enclosed garages to stay under the 1,000m² affordable housing threshold. 

Finally, we widened the site’s access driveway to improve accessibility and introduced three visitor parking spaces. 

The result is a boutique backland development that blends in its setting while delivering high-quality homes for modern living.

The Homes’ Layout

All five properties are two-storey, four-bedroom homes, with floor areas ranging from 160 to 219m², significantly exceeding National Space Standards.

Each home offers a spacious, modern layout. A central family hub brings together the kitchen, dining room, and main living space, with additional rooms including a snug, a dedicated home office, and a utility room.

The Materials

The material palette reflects Chestfield’s inter-war architecture while introducing a contemporary finish. We selected it with economies of scale in mind, so future builders can source high-quality materials in bulk without compromising the scheme’s character.

The homes feature clay plain tile roofs, red stock brick bases, and half-timbered elevations with render infill. To avoid pastiche, the timber framing is natural oak rather than mimicking the black-and-white finish typical of the area.

Traditional oak barge boards and exposed eaves detailing add character, while timber casement windows with clear glazing preserve clean lines.

While the homes are unified by a consistent palette, slight variations in brickwork and detailing add individuality across the scheme. 

Sustainability

Although traditional in appearance, the homes incorporate modern, low-carbon technologies to meet current energy standards. 

Each dwelling includes an air-source heat pump, a discreet and efficient alternative to solar panels. We deliberately excluded these to preserve the visual integrity of the clay-tiled roofs.

All carports are fitted with EV charging points, which support sustainable transport. 

Landscaping

Landscaping played a crucial role in gaining planning consent.

We retained the mature trees along the site boundaries and introduced a mix of grass, shrubs, and native tree species to support biodiversity net gain. A new pond adds ecological value and visual interest, while newly planted trees enhance privacy between plots.

To protect the Grade II listed building next door from the potential impact of light pollution, we incorporated a landscape buffer zone along the eastern boundary, which includes new trees and layered planting.

Finally, we finished the widened access drive with flush grass verge edging, creating an informal, village-like entrance. 

The Planning Application Approval Process

Our revised proposal - featuring a looser dwelling arrangement, increased building distances, additional landscape buffers, and reduced rear glazing - directly addressed the council’s key concerns.

To support the submission, we prepared a full package of design and landscape documents, along with biodiversity enhancements in collaboration with expert consultants.

The proposal received full officer support and was approved at committee on first submission, subject only to a standard Section 106 agreement.

Next steps

At the time of writing, the client is looking for a delivery partner and exploring potential sale or development options for the site.

This well-considered, high-value backland scheme offers a rare opportunity for a housing provider or private developer in an attractive setting.

The Client’s Feedback

The client was delighted with the outcome. With their background in planning and heritage, the Walbax team appreciated our care in balancing contextual sensitivity with commercial viability.

They particularly valued our ability to deliver a bespoke, characterful scheme that avoided the look and feel of a typical housing estate while still meeting the requirements for a profitable, planning-compliant development.

Following the success of Pogles Wood, we’ve been appointed to support Walbax on additional projects across the region.

Are you thinking of developing a backland site? Whether it’s a heritage-sensitive location, a garden plot, or a small-scale infill housing opportunity, we can help you unlock its full potential.

We support developers across Kent and the South East with feasibility studies, site assessments, and bespoke design solutions that respond to planning sensitivities, heritage settings, and local character. From concept design through to detailed planning submissions, we bring the strategic insight and architectural expertise needed to move your project forward with confidence.

Call us on 01227 457 545 or email enquiries@taylorroberts.co.uk to discuss your site.