Kentish Express Ashford & District
Developer silent on claims hospital site is neglected
Claims that one of the town’s historic landmarks is falling into disrepair have been met with silence by a housing developer responsible for managing the site.
Abbey Homes has nearly finished building 56 homes at Jubilee Place on the site of the former Ashford Hospital in Kings Avenue near the town centre.
The building went up in 1926, paid for by public subscription, before the existence of the welfare state.
The homes were granted planning permission in 2010, but in February 2015 the council refused to grant permission to allow bulldozers to knock down the former administration block.
Abbey Homes a p p e a l e d against the decision, but the Planning Inspectorate found in the council’s favour in its decision made in November 2015.
The inspection led by David Spencer said the building “remains a key focal point” for the area, and acknowledged that the building showed “signs of disrepair” having not been used for some years.
In his judgment Mr Spencer said: “The evidence is clear that the building should be regarded as a non-designated heritage asset.”
But now Kentish Express historian Steve Salter says the building is falling into a state of disrepair, and accused Abbey Homes of failing to look after it.
He said: “When Mr Spencer went to do his report, scaffolding was taken down so that he could take a look inside the upper storey through the windows.
“Some of the windows were clearly open to the elements. After the planning decision, Abbey Homes has a duty of care, but I think they have fallen foul of it.
“It’s my concern that if it is still left open to the elements since November 2015, what condition is it going to be in now?”
If Abbey Homes wants to appeal the decision of the Planning Inspectorate it would need to take its case to the High Court. The Kentish Express contacted Abbey Homes for a comment about the concerns raised.
Company secretary Pauline Evans wrote back saying: “Thank you for your email but it is company policy not to comment.”
What do you think? Write to Kentish Express, 34-36 North Street, Ashford, TN24 8JR or email kentishexpress@thekmgroup.co.uk