St Alban’s Close Solohaus homes
- Status: Proposed development
- Location: St Alban’s Close, Gravesend
- Delivery partner: Hill
- Programme: Foundation200
- Planning permission granted: October 2025
- Construction start: Spring 2026
- Estimated on‑site construction duration: 12 weeks
About the development
St Alban’s Close is the proposed site for a new small-scale housing project using Solohaus modular homes.
This project is a modern and sustainable approach to meeting the growing needs of single people facing homelessness. The scheme will provide eight self-contained homes, delivered in partnership with Hill through their charitable Foundation200 initiative, which donates purpose-built modular homes to local authorities across the UK.
The development aims to offer safe, comfortable, and energy-efficient accommodation for single households who need support in moving towards long-term, settled housing.
What is the Solohaus?
The Solohaus is a modular home designed specifically for single people. Each home is fully furnished and includes:
- An electric hob
- Integrated fridge
- Washing machine
- Bathroom
- Living and sleeping space
Solohaus units are built in the UK to Future Homes Standards, with robust security features and low-energy Air Source Heat Pump heating to keep homes warm and efficient.
At St Alban’s Close, eight Solohaus homes are being donated and installed free of charge by Hill as part of their Foundation200 programme, supporting the Council’s wider work to prevent homelessness.
About Foundation200
Foundation200 is a charitable initiative launched by Andy Hill, aiming to donate 200 modular homes across the UK to help alleviate homelessness. More than 60 homes have already been delivered on sites across England.
We have partnered with The Hill Group, to build affordable homes in the Borough. St Alban’s Close scheme reflects our joint commitment to providing innovative, high-quality housing solutions for local residents in need.
Who will live in the Solohaus homes?
The scheme will provide homes for eight single residents, each with their own private, self-contained unit. Residents will be:
- Selected by the Housing Options Service
- Individuals currently in temporary accommodation
- People moving on from supported housing who no longer require intensive support
- Assessed as ready to benefit from a period of independence before moving into long-term accommodation
- The Council will own and manage the homes.
- Council officers and partner support providers will make regular visits to ensure residents are sustaining their tenancies and accessing appropriate support.
Why we need these homes
The borough has experienced significant increases in homelessness, particularly among single-person households. There are many pressures which make it difficult for people to secure suitable long-term options, including:
- Limited affordable housing
- High private rental costs
- Shortages in temporary accommodation
The Solohaus homes will offer:
- Safe, secure, and affordable accommodation
- Lower energy bills due to high efficiency
- A stepping-stone towards independence
- Support to help residents build the skills needed for future tenancies
This development forms part of the Council’s ongoing work to reduce homelessness and increase the supply of suitable housing options.
Where will the Solohaus units be installed?
The proposal places the eight Solohaus homes on Council-owned land at St Alban’s Close. The homes will be located on the eastern side of the site.
The existing footpath and the remaining open space will be retained and left unchanged.
A sketch layout accompanying the planning application shows the approved arrangement of the units.
What happens next?
Planning permission for the scheme was granted in October 2025.
Construction is due to begin in Spring 2026.
Installation is expected to take approximately 12 weeks.
Once completed, the eight new homes will be handed over to Gravesham Borough Council to be allocated to eligible residents.