The post war residential neighbourhood of Singlewell is a quiet enclave located south of the centre of Gravesend, bordering the rumbling Watling Street (A2). The area consists almost entirely of densely packed roads of large gardened houses that are perfect for families, as well as a number of slightly smaller Edwardian and interwar terraces that line the busy Whitehill Lane. Hever Court Road, which runs parallel to the A2, is home to a handful of independent shops and eateries, alongside some very big houses. There is a good amount of local green space, and the vast fields of Cobham sit just to the south. There is also an abundance of schools, which has only increased the neighbourhood’s popularity with families. The area has little by way of high street, but the riverside town centre of Gravesend is just a short journey to the north, which possesses numerous conveniences, as well as Gravesend station, operating regular services to various inner-city stations.

The nearby town of Gravesend has been settled since at least the Stone Age due to its proximity to the River Thames, and Watling Street to the south, which was originally a Roman road from London to the Kent coast. The town is home to one of the oldest surviving markets in the country, founded in 1268, and still being enjoyed by locals to this day. Milton Chantry was built in 1320 and is the area’s oldest building, constructed on the site of a former leper hospital. The town continued to steadily grow despite remaining predominantly rural until the 19th century, when Gravesend station was opened. A permanent military presence was established shortly after when the Milton Barracks opened in 1862. The town of Singlewell (originally Shinglewell) was named after an ancient well that was filled in during the First World War and began to be built up around in 1957.

Hever Court Road to the south is named after the ancient house of Hever. The family moved to the area in 1331 and established themselves with a large manor called Hever Court. The house sadly became derelict and was demolished in 1952.

The area’s 39km distance from central London means that the commute from Gravesend can be lengthy and stressful. It is also expensive for those who travel at peak times. Watling Street is also a nuisance for some residents as it contributes to significant pollution in an area that is otherwise known for its fresh air.

It is likely that Gravesend will be accessed via the Elizabeth Line if plans to extend it to Ebbsfleet are given the green light. Reports suggest that if this were the case, this part of Kent could see the opening up of land for 55,000 new homes and around 50,000 new jobs; this will certainly encourage investment into Gravesend and its surrounding areas. While the initiative is strongly encouraged by many, including public figures, the cost of extending the Elizabeth Line to Ebbsfleet is estimated at around £3.2 billion. The high cost of the project and previous criticisms concerning delays in the Elizabeth Line’s initial development could impact the extension’s anticipated 2028 completion. New development in Singlewell is sparse and infrequent. Orchard Avenue, by Esquire Developments, is a rare example of new construction in the area. Recently completed, it delivered a collection of 9 suburban-style detached 4-bedroom houses, arranged along a cul-de-sac.