Modular homes at Blue Bell Hill
Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council is developing plans for an innovative new housing scheme aimed at easing the growing pressure on temporary accommodation for homeless residents.
At a meeting of council held on 27 January 2026, councillors agreed to grant planning permission for 12 high-quality modular homes built on the former Blue Bell Hill commuter coach car park, which was closed in 2023 due to declining use and anti-social behaviour.
These new homes will provide much-needed support for individuals and families facing homelessness, particularly in the north of the borough where demand is highest.
About the modular homes scheme
Award-winning modular homes company Zed Pods has been chosen to construct the units.
The homes will be manufactured off-site and assembled at Blue Bell Hill, allowing construction to be completed more quickly and with less disruption than traditional building methods.
The units will provide good-quality, self-contained accommodation and will be designed to be energy efficient. Features will include high levels of insulation and modern renewable technologies such as solar panels and heat pumps, helping to reduce running costs.
An on-site office will be provided so housing staff can manage the accommodation and offer support to residents living there.
Delivery timescales
Funding and delivery
The £4 million cost of the project will be funded through a combination of sources:
- £2.2 million from the national Local Authority Housing Fund
- £1.4 million from council reserves
- Up to £1 million from developer contributions
Site preparation and factory construction of the units is expected to begin in spring 2026, with on-site assembly starting in the summer. The development is expected to be completed in spring 2027.
Meeting local needs
The modular units will offer two bedroom homes, designed to accommodate a range of household sizes. The site is well connected by public transport and is within walking distance of local amenities, including a supermarket and a children’s nursery.
The new scheme will help address the shortfall in areas like Aylesford, where council-owned housing is limited.
