14 May 2026
Foxchurch Development Bobbing: Local Property Market Impact Explained
by Dee Quealy
Plans for a major new 2,500-home development near Bobbing have been delayed following strong local opposition at a Swale Borough Council meeting in late March.
The scheme, formerly known as Bobbing Garden Village and now called Foxchurch, would be one of the largest residential developments proposed in the Sittingbourne area. According to Catesby Estates, the site totals around 497 acres and has capacity for up to 2,500 homes, alongside a new school, local centre, healthcare centre, village hall, sports facilities and public open space.
What Has Been Proposed?
The Foxchurch plans would see a large area of land near Bobbing brought forward for housing and community facilities. The proposals include:
- Up to 2,500 new homes
- More than 50% of the site dedicated to green space
- A sports hub with football pitches, indoor and outdoor tennis, netball, padel & pickleball courts
- Changing rooms and leisure facilities
- A new cricket ground for Newington Cricket Club
- Contributions towards local secondary education
Catesby Estates has said the development would provide long-term benefits for both new and existing residents. The developer’s own project page describes Foxchurch as a strategic residential development close to Sittingbourne and the wider transport network.
Why Has The Decision Been Delayed?
The proposal has faced significant opposition from local residents, including the campaign group Communities Against Bobbing Expansion, known as CABE.
At the meeting, the public gallery was packed, with several objectors speaking against the plans. Concerns reported by KentOnline/KMTV included pressure on roads, water supplies, school places and local infrastructure. After almost four hours of debate, councillors voted against a motion to approve the plans, with the final decision deferred.
This does not mean the development has been refused. It means the decision has been pushed back, with further scrutiny expected before the scheme moves forward or is rejected.
What Could Foxchurch Mean For The Bobbing Property Market?
If approved, a development of this scale would have a significant impact on Bobbing and the surrounding Sittingbourne property market.
For buyers, Foxchurch could increase the number and variety of homes available locally, potentially attracting families, commuters and investors looking for a village setting with strong access to Sittingbourne and wider Kent.
For homeowners, the picture is more complex. New facilities, green space and improved amenities can support long-term demand in an area. However, large-scale development can also raise understandable concerns about congestion, pressure on services and the character of an established village.
Bobbing’s appeal has always been its balance of countryside feel, community atmosphere and convenient access to Sittingbourne. The key question is whether a development of this size can be delivered while protecting the very qualities that make the area desirable.
Our View As Local Estate Agents In Bobbing
At Quealy & Co, we understand why this proposal has prompted such strong views.
New homes are needed across Kent, and well-planned development can bring investment, infrastructure and new opportunities. But with a scheme as large as Foxchurch, the detail matters. Roads, schools, healthcare, drainage, green space and community facilities all need to be carefully considered if the development is to work for both new residents and the existing Bobbing community.
For local homeowners, this is a planning story worth watching closely. Major developments can influence buyer behaviour, local demand and long-term property values, but the effect will depend on what is eventually approved and how the plans are delivered.
Thinking Of Buying Or Selling In Bobbing?
Whether you are considering selling your home in Bobbing, looking for homes near Sittingbourne, or simply want to understand what local development could mean for your property’s value, Quealy & Co can help.
Our local team understands the North Kent property market and can offer clear, practical advice based on your home, your location and your plans.
To find out what your home could be worth, book a free property valuation in Kent here: https://www.quealy.co.uk/properties-valuation
You can also contact Quealy & Co on 01795 429836 or email hello@quealy.co.uk.
Image: Bobbing Village Sign by David Anstiss, licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0 via Geograph.
