Planning submitted for convent townhouses

Hillside Drive in Gravesend was once a large, single plot of land where John Russell, owner of Russell’s Brewery and Mayor of Gravesend 1876–98, built a mansion in 1895.

In the 1940s the mansion was divided into three large townhouses, while the land around it was subdivided into plots for the assortment of houses that give Hillside Drive its unique character.

The Sisters of Mercy acquired the townhouses in the 1950s and added a chapel and accommodation block to create Saint Joseph’s Convent of Mercy. The community has gradually reduced in size and the convent is now too large for their needs.

Planning permission has been granted to reorganise the convent estate and provide downsized accommodation for the remaining community members.

We have submitted a second planning application to renovate two of the large townhouses as they are now surplus to requirements. Both properties will have six double bedrooms and a generous garden, making them suitable for large or multi-generation families.

The planning application also includes replacing the former scullery, laundry and garage with a new two-bedroom bungalow.

Russell’s former mansion will be restored to its former glory. The project will improve the buildings’ energy efficiency and create unique, exclusive properties with a fantastic history.

Elevation

Ground floor plan