Green light for new homes at Dover's former Connaught Barracks

Dover District Council grants planning for up to 300 new homes

Dover District Council (DDC) has approved plans for up to 300 new homes on the main site of the former Connaught Barracks in Dover.  

The application was made by Homes England, the government’s housing agency which is marketing the 10.9-hectare brownfield site for development. 

The site enjoys a commanding position adjacent to Dover Castle and overlooking the town and coast to the south and east. 

Particular attention has been paid to maintaining the development’s visual links with Dover Castle and Fort Burgoyne, along with biodiversity and sustainable travel.  

The plans include a new road junction with the A258 (Castle Hill Road). 

Dover Fastrack, a new Homes England funded dedicated rapid transit bus route will also connect the development with Dover town centre and Dover Priory railway station for High-Speed train services to London.  Construction of Dover Fastrack starts in April 2022.

A Section 106 planning agreement will see £1.5m in developer contributions for local public services, including education, libraries, outdoor sports, and health and social care. 

Cllr Trevor Bartlett, Leader of Dover District Council, said: “I am delighted to see the plans for the redevelopment of the former Connaught Barracks approved.

“It has been a complicated site to prepare for redevelopment and I’d like to thank Homes England for their commitment to bringing the site to market.  I am sure that the fantastic location will make it a very attractive offer.

“It’s another example of how we’re delivering our Local Plan vision for the District to provide outstanding opportunities for sustainable living and a destination of choice for people of all ages to make their home.”

Allert Riepma, Head of Disposals at Homes England, said: “The development of the Connaught Barracks site will create much needed new homes for local people and provide important bus and road infrastructure as well as a green space for the wider community on a stunning historic site.

“With Phase One, The Officers’ Mess, well under way with the first homes completing next year, we look forward to seeing a sustainable new neighbourhood grow on this former brownfield land offering wonderful views to Fort Burgoyne, Dover Castle and beyond.”   

Notes to editors:

1. The redevelopment of Connaught Barracks has been part of DDC’s Adopted Core Strategy since 2010.  The Ministry of Defence disposed of the Connaught Barracks site in 2006.
2. Sixty-four new homes are already being built on the site of the former Officers’ Mess at Connaught Barracks under a separate planning application.
3. The Connaught Barrack site also includes Fort Burgoyne, a scheduled ancient monument which has transferred by Homes England to the Land Trust in 2014.  The Land Trust is working to restore and repurpose the fort and its surroundings for the benefit of the local community.