North Kent Infrastructure Changes: What to Expect and How to Protect Your Land Value

North Kent continues to experience a wave of infrastructure investment. from road expansions and rail upgrades to the long-anticipated Lower Thames Crossing. While these projects are crucial for growth, they can also cause uncertainty for property owners, particularly where land may be subject to compulsory purchase or where proximity to works affects property value.

As a Chartered Surveyor specialising in valuation and compensation advice, I regularly support landowners and leaseholders in Kent whose properties are impacted by major infrastructure projects. If you're based near proposed works in Dartford, Gravesend, Ebbsfleet, or the surrounding areas, here's what you need to know.

What Infrastructure Projects Are Coming to North Kent?

Several projects are either underway or in the advanced planning stage, including:

• Lower Thames Crossing – a new 14-mile road connecting the M2 near Rochester with the M25 in Essex, including a tunnel under the Thames.

• A2 Widening & Junction Improvements – roadworks around Bean and Ebbsfleet junctions aim to ease congestion and support housing growth.

• Ebbsfleet Garden City Expansion – over 15,000 new homes and a range of commercial developments planned in the area.

• Rail Investment – improved HS1 and Southeastern services are being mooted, particularly where stations support major new residential developments.

While these changes promise long-term benefits, in the short term, they can affect land use, delay developments, and reduce saleability.

How Could These Projects Affect Property Owners?

1. Compulsory Purchase Orders (CPOs)
   If your land or property lies within the safeguarding area or land acquisition boundary, you could be served with a Compulsory Purchase Order. This legally compels you to sell, although you are entitled to fair compensation based on market value, plus disturbance and professional fees.

2. Blight or Uncertainty
   Even if your land isn’t subject to a CPO, being near proposed works can suppress property values due to noise, visual impact, or access restrictions. This is especially relevant for landowners close to tunnel portals or surface construction zones.

3. Development Disruption
   If you're planning to develop or sell land, major works nearby can make lenders and buyers cautious, reducing demand until works are complete or the situation is clarified.

How to Protect Your Land or Property Value

• Understand Your Position
  Check if your property falls within the safeguarded or acquisition zones. National Highways and local planning portals provide public maps. If you’re unsure, seek professional advice early.

• Get a Professional Valuation
  In the event of a CPO, valuation evidence is critical. You are entitled to have a surveyor represent you — with professional fees usually recoverable as part of the compensation. This includes:

• Market value of the land or property

• Loss of development potential

• Any “severance” or “injurious affection” (where only part of the site is taken or its value is harmed)

• Prepare Early Evidence
  If you’re affected, it helps to gather supporting documents now: title plans, planning consents, past marketing efforts or offers, and comparable sales evidence. These can significantly strengthen a future claim.

• Actively Manage the Process
  Landowners who proactively engage — with the help of a Chartered Surveyor — tend to secure better outcomes. Don’t wait until formal notices are served to seek advice.

 How Olden Property Can Help

At Olden Property, we provide independent valuation and compensation advice to residential and commercial landowners affected by infrastructure schemes across Kent and the South East. Whether your site is subject to acquisition or you simply want to understand potential impact, we can assist with:

• CPO negotiation and objection support

• Red Book valuation reports for compensation

• Expert witness evidence if disputes arise

• Strategic advice for owners of development land

Infrastructure investment brings progress, but it must be balanced with fair treatment for those affected. If you own land or property in North Kent, now is the time to review your position, protect your rights, and prepare professionally for what’s ahead.