Work begins at Blue Bell Hill: 12 modular homes for families in Tonbridge and Malling
Updated: Aug 19
Site preparation is underway at Blue Bell Hill, where ZED PODS is delivering 12 self-contained modular homes for Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council — the first scheme of its kind in the borough.
Built on the site of a former commuter car park, the development will provide much-needed accommodation for local families facing homelessness — a permanent asset for the Council, used to house households who need somewhere decent to live while longer-term housing is arranged.
The need is pressing. Between 90 and 100 households in Tonbridge and Malling are currently on the list for temporary accommodation, and providing that accommodation costs the Council around £2.2 million a year. The Council owns or leases around 30 properties across the borough, but finding suitable accommodation in the north has previously proved difficult. Blue Bell Hill goes a long way towards closing that gap.
The scheme received unanimous planning approval from councillors earlier this year.
Designed for a hundred years, not a decade
These are not stopgap buildings. The homes are designed with a lifespan of over 100 years and built to an EPC A rating, combining high-performance insulation with low-carbon technology — solar photovoltaic panels and air source heat pumps — to cut energy use and keep running costs low for the families living in them.
"It's great to be here today to mark the construction of these EPC A rated energy efficient homes. Everyone has a right to a decent place to live, and we are proud to be able to deliver this innovative modular housing project to support local families from Tonbridge and Malling. We look forward to seeing the development take shape in the coming months."
Cllr Robin Betts Cabinet Member for Housing, Environment and Economy, Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council
Built offsite, installed in days
Site preparation is now underway. The 12 units are being precision-built in factory conditions at our offsite manufacturing facility, with installation at Blue Bell Hill scheduled for September.
Building this way means the groundworks and the homes progress in parallel rather than in sequence — faster delivery, tighter quality control, and far less disruption for the surrounding community than traditional construction would involve.
An on-site office will also be provided, so Council housing staff can manage the properties and offer support directly to residents.
"We are delighted to be working collaboratively with Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council on this important modular housing project, which shows how offsite construction can help deliver high-quality, energy-efficient homes."
Tom Northway Chairman, ZED PODS Ltd
Construction is due to complete with residents ready to move in by spring next year.
