Dandara begins construction on 135-home Newington residential development

Housebuilder Dandara has officially broken ground on a new residential neighbourhood in Newington, Swale, marking the start of a 135-home development in Kent.

The scheme will deliver a mix of two, three, four and five-bedroom homes, with 54 properties allocated for affordable housing.

Early delivery timeline set

Located around three miles from Sittingbourne, the development is positioned within a well-connected village setting, offering direct rail links to London Victoria and access to the A2.

The first homes are expected to be completed and ready for occupation in November.

Significant local investment planned

As part of the wider development strategy, Dandara has committed £2.91m in local infrastructure contributions.

This investment will support:

• New and improved sports facilities

• Expansion and equipment upgrades at adult education centres

• Contributions towards a new primary and secondary school in North West Sittingbourne

These commitments form part of the wider Section 106 obligations linked to the scheme.

Focus on community-led development

The project has been designed to support long-term placemaking in Newington, combining private and affordable housing within a village environment.

The development aims to integrate with the existing community while providing additional housing supply in the wider Kent region.

Developer commentary

David Garrett, Managing Director at Dandara South East, said the start on site represents a key milestone after several years of planning and consultation.

He highlighted the focus on delivering high-quality homes, supporting local infrastructure, and creating a balanced mix of housing options for a range of buyers.

About Newington

Newington is a historic Kent village located between Rainham and Sittingbourne, with strong transport links and local amenities including pubs, independent shops, and nearby heritage attractions such as Leeds Castle and Roman archaeological sites