The Swanley Square shopping centre could be set for radical a transformation as plans for 340 homes have been submitted. 

Multi-billion pound property developer U+I, which owns the site, has submitted an application to Sevenoaks Council to transform the “run down and dated shopping centre”.

As part of the application seven buildings, ranging between three and 13 storeys, would be constructed around the shopping centre. 

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129 residential units for sale while 211 homes will be for renting

It is hoped the deal will bring in about £77m of private investment.

Once finished, the £350m development is expected to increase spending in the area by about £5.2m per year, with 290 new jobs brought to the town centre.

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U+I has submitted an application with its £200m investment portfolio

The potential changes, submitted for consideration on July 21, also include retail space, a multi-storey car park, new shops and restaurants.

129 residential units are for sale while 211 homes would be available to rent.

There are no plans for social housing to be built within the development.

Instead the majority of the rental supply would consist of one bedroom and studio flats to encourage young people commuting to and from London. 

U+I has a £4bn portfolio of various regeneration projects - including a £200m investment portfolio.

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Artists illustration of Swanley Square

The Swanley Square shopping centre was acquired by the company, then DevSec, in 2004.

Over £1.5m in “community infrastructure levy contributions” is expected to be paid to the district council should permission be granted.

The scheme focuses on the redevelopment of the large car parking areas to the rear of the shopping centre, and has promised to deliver a refurbished square and the sure delivery of Built to Rent units - a new form of accessible housing tenure.

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Artists illustration of Nightingale Way

The proposals are being designed by architects HLM.

A decision on whether or not the application will be granted is expected to be made by November.

Councillor Victor Southern, of Swanley Town Council, said: “I think there will be a fairly substantial number of objections and there are a number of councillors who have a number of reservations about the plans.

“As far as redevelopment on the shopping centre is concerned, I expect most of the councillors will be in favour but some may have reservations about the large impact the tower would have on the Swanley scene.

“I want the public to consult with us on the plans themselves - they are enormous."

The council will be holding a development control meeting in September to hear from residents. 

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The square would be revamped along with the other changes if plans are approved

In terms of negotiating changes to the plans, three councillors from Swanley are on the planning committee in Sevenoaks and will hope to exert an influence over U+I, although the council itself is only consulting on the development.

Alongside this huge project Sevenoaks District Council, in tandem with Swanley Town Council, is working on the Swanley and Hextable master plan.

This vision is to revamp Swanley town centre, its open spaces, leisure facilities, shops, new homes, business spaces, and importantly transport in both Swanley and Hextable.

More than 1,200 people have attended public consultations on the Swanley and Hextable master plan with 250 people telling the council want they want.

The draft plan is expected to be rolled out in Autumn.

Let me know your thoughts by emailing james.parsons@london.newsquest.co.uk