WHAT DOES THE REPORT SAY?

The report outlines four priorities – Enterprising Ashford, Living Ashford, Active & Creative Ashford, and Attractive Ashford. Economy: The council is focusing on boosting the town centre with jobs, homes, hotels and leisure facilities.

One aspect of this includes rejuvenating the Park Mall Shopping Centre with a mix of retailers to provide a “lively and attractive shopping destination”. Housing: The local plan identifies sites for market housing to be developed over the next 15 years, and to continue to build affordable homes across the borough to allow people to get on the property ladder. It will also encourage the development of towncentre accommodation at Elwick Place and Park Mall to be built for “professional singles and couples” who are commuting. Healthy living: The council aims to extend the sports on offer at the new Conningbrook Lakes site, as well as to invest in the Stour Centre. There are plans for a cycle town strategy, as well as improvements to parks such as Victoria Park, the Memorial Gardens and Willesborough Dykes. Environment: The council wants to make Ashford a more attractive town, with a landscape action team to improve maintenance standards. Part of the plan will include improving the look of the approaches into the town centre, as well as linking green spaces with new cycle and foot paths.