February 11, 2025

Plans for major development around Ebbsfleet International Train Station approved

The Ebbsfleet Development Corporation’s ambitious plans for regenerating 34.86 hectares of brownfield land around Ebbsfleet International Train Station have been approved. This project, part of the Ebbsfleet Garden City initiative, aims to create a vibrant new community with up to 15,000 homes, office spaces, retail and leisure facilities, and improved connectivity.

The Corporation’s Planning Committee has resolved to grant outline planning consent for Ebbsfleet Central East. This approval marks a significant milestone in the development of Ebbsfleet Garden City, which aims to create a vibrant new community with up to 15,000 homes and a city-style center around Ebbsfleet International train station.

Ebbsfleet Development Corporation, supported by The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, is spearheading a major regeneration project to unlock the area’s potential. This initiative aims to provide access to essential facilities such as jobs, healthcare, retail, business services, and vital amenities for local communities.

The plans are supported by an Illustrative Masterplan that outlines the overall vision for the site, including 2,100 homes, with 35% designated as Affordable Housing, 87,000m² of office space, retail and leisure facilities, new open spaces and connectivity improvements, healthcare provision, a new school, and community facilities to guide future development of the site.

The Application Site has a long planning history, with Ebbsfleet Central designated for development since the early 2000s. In 2019, the Ebbsfleet Development Corporation acquired the land due to the private sector’s lack of progress. Their goal is to transform the site into an innovative and sustainable regional hub, realizing the full potential and ambitions for Ebbsfleet.

Public consultation throughout much of 2020 has helped shape the vision for Ebbsfleet Central East, along with extensive stakeholder engagement and feedback from local community members. Current parking facilities around Ebbsfleet International Station will be re-provided within the scheme, and the area will be transformed into modern new offices, contemporary apartments, and places for people to enjoy arts and culture alongside fitness and wellbeing, all on the doorsteps of high-quality and sustainable neighbourhoods.

The approved plans propose creating a vibrant, easily accessible environment with integrated transport systems and a variety of retail, cultural, and community uses. Amenities will cater to local workers, residents, and visitors. The outline planning application includes a commitment to delivering a primary healthcare facility (GP services), with the Corporation working closely with NHS Partners to establish a world-class Health and Wellbeing Hub. These facilities, along with spaces for business, education, and research, will form a leading-edge Health, Education & Innovation Quarter.

The approval by the Planning Committee, has established the parameters for connectivity, building heights, density, green and blue infrastructure and the mix of uses prior to construction by third party developers. Further detail will be developed as part of future masterplans and Reserved Matters applications.

Simon Dudley, Chair of Ebbsfleet Development Corporation Board, notes the significance of the approval: “Ebbsfleet Central will be the heart of Ebbsfleet Garden City, capitalising on its unparalleled connectivity to deliver the next generation of high quality, flexible workspace, creating a new dynamic and innovative sub regional business hub integrated through well designed public realm and green spaces with vibrant, sustainable urban neighbourhoods and amenities to support a healthy, happy lifestyle.

This important milestone represents a significant step and our continued commitment to create a vibrant, sustainable and well-connected community in the heart of Ebbsfleet. The development will bring much needed housing, infrastructure, services and amenities to the area, enhancing quality of life for current and future residents. We look forward to progressing with the next stage of the plans.”

Having recently celebrated the 4,000th home under the Ebbsfleet Garden City scheme, the approval forms a critical step in delivering the heart of Ebbsfleet, with the Corporation recently celebrating delivering a record-breaking number of homes throughout 2022/23, with a focus on delivering vital infrastructure and amenities to support the growing population, making a major contribution to government commitments to increase the number of new homes built in the UK.