The vast £142 million plan to create the southeast’s next major holiday destination

The Isle of Sheppey could be getting a big swanky makeover over the next six years. Plans have been submitted for a £142 million new village on the Kent island, with loads of new holiday homes, residential homes, community facilities and a retirement complex. 

Under the proposals, eight caravan sites in the area would be completely overhauled and transformed into a new hilltop community.  At the moment, the sites are home to a total of 1,197 caravans and bases. The new destination will include homes, holiday accommodations and green spaces to enhance the surrounding area’s ‘rural character’. 

The new settlement, named Kinford Village, is being developed by Evergreen Escapes Group (EEG), and is still awaiting approval from Swale Council. The company says that it wants to create a village that is ‘ attractive to residents and holidaymakers for generations to come.

If it gets the green light, the development would take six years to complete. Kinford would include a new transport and cycle hub, town square and leisure facilities including a swimming pool and clubhouse. Accommodation-wise, there’ll be 400 new residential lodges, 98 ‘general needs dwellings’ and a refurbished holiday park with space for 228 holiday caravans. The plans also include a new retirement community on the site with a care home and 136 retirement living apartments. 

EEG said that the village will bring an ‘annual £8.8m boost to the Swale district economy’. It adds that it would work closely with existing owners and residents to offer a structured relocation process. 

However, some locals have expressed concerns over the plans, raising questions about what will happen to existing tenants and the breadth of the facilities that will be available. They’ve also asked about where doctor and dental services would be and how construction and water facilities would be managed. A decision from Swale Council is expected by November 25. 

ICYMI: The most beautiful place in England is a spellbinding island that can only be reached at certain times of the day. 

Plus: This surprising seaside city has the UK’s best pub scene. 

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