Staner Court submitted by Thanet District Council
Staner Court demonstrates excellence in small-site delivery by transforming unusable brownfield land into 11 high-specification, 3-bedroom and 4-bedroom family homes. As part of a strategic £15.6m project, it attracted £980,000 in Homes England and BLRF funding to overcome viability challenges and achieve ambitious EPC A ratings. Through a fabric-first approach, new technology and local contractor partnership (WWMartin), the Council is tackling fuel poverty and the climate emergency simultaneously. This project offers a blueprint for other local authorities, proving that proactive planning can turn often complex infill sites into sustainable, genuinely affordable, futureproofed and integrated assets.
The judges felt that understanding the site as part of a wider programme represented an example of leading practice, making a significant contribution to addressing the acute shortage of social housing in Thanet and meeting a specific need for larger affordable homes. Meanwhile, the community consultation had a clear impact on both the evolution of the site's design and the allocation of the homes.
Adding to the holistic nature of the project was the collaboration between different teams within the council, including strong leadership, the key role played by planners, and the use of local contractors, which benefited the local economy.
The homes delivered on the site are of a high design quality, with careful attention paid to the use of appropriate materials. They have been built to high environmental sustainability standards and include a number of accessible properties. The homes are expected to have a carbon footprint more than 98% lower than the average home, while significantly reducing residents' energy bills. At the same time, they are well integrated into their surroundings and have significantly enhanced the appearance of the site compared with the garage block they replaced.
At the heart of the project is a particularly coherent approach, with clear examples of leading practice in viewing this site as part of a wider package of development sites. The submission provides clear evidence of the role played by planners, although it would have been helpful to distinguish more clearly which elements were led by different teams. It also demonstrates a strong commitment to tackling climate change and provides clear evidence of comprehensive in-person community consultation, although it is unclear whether this was complemented by digital engagement. The submission clearly shows how consultation influenced the scheme's development and how the project responds inclusively to a demonstrated need for larger affordable homes. While there is no direct evidence of how the project responds to planning policy, there is a clear demonstration of how it supports the Council's Corporate Plan.
Well done Thanet District Council.
