Work begins on 60-home White Oak development in Swanley

Construction has officially started on a new residential development in Swanley that will not only bring dozens of new homes to the town but also help support the long-term funding of the neighbouring White Oak Leisure Centre.

The project is being built on the site of the former White Oak Leisure Centre, which was demolished after the new leisure centre opened nearby in 2022. Planning permission for the redevelopment was granted earlier this year, and work is now underway.

In total, the development will provide 60 new homes, made up of 15 townhouses and 45 apartments. The scheme has been designed with a strong focus on energy efficiency, featuring technologies such as solar panels and air source heat pumps, alongside high levels of insulation to reduce energy use.

Electricity generated on-site will be used by the development first, with surplus power expected to help lower future maintenance costs for residents.

Alongside the new homes, the plans include a large shared community garden, additional tree planting and landscaped green spaces intended to improve biodiversity while retaining many of the mature trees already on the site.

Residents will also benefit from dedicated parking, visitor spaces and secure cycle storage. Once construction is complete, a new public footpath linking Hilda May Avenue and Juniper Walk will also open, improving access through the area.

The council says the housing development forms part of the wider regeneration around the White Oak Leisure Centre. Income generated by the scheme is expected to contribute towards the borrowing costs associated with building the modern leisure facility, helping to reduce the financial burden on the council.

A ceremonial ground-breaking event took place on 1 July, attended by councillors and representatives from construction company Skillcrown Homes, marking the official start of the project.

More information about the development is available on the official Sevenoaks District Council website: White Oak Residential development information