Dartford college site set for part-demolition, part conversion and new housing

Two blocks at North West Kent college’s site in Dartford could be converted into 93 new homes under new plans.

Bellway have submitted an application which would see “conversion of Blocks K and R (also known as The Lodge) for residential use and construction of new residential dwellings”.

An existing eight-storey block will be demolished if plans approved.

Dwellings include:

• 27 apartments within the converted Kingsfield Mansion Block
• 1 new home within the converted Lodge
• 19 no 1 and 2 bed apartments within new buildings (including one coach-house)
• 46 no. 2, 3, 4 and 5 bed new build house

The University of Greenwich were formerly based on the site and some buildings now sit unoccupied. North West Kent College have revamped some of the remaining buildings.

The site’s history of educational use can be traced back to 1895. The Design and Access Statement states: “Kingsfield House and the surrounding land was purchased in 1895 by Madame Martina Bergman-Österberg, who created a physical training college specialising in gymnastics for girls and young women”.

I’ve no idea if it’s true but it also states the game of netball was devised at the site.

An existing green space formally used as a cricket pitch is to be retained.

Details of the application can be viewed here on the Dartford council website.