Kentish Express Ashford & District
Lakeside village planned as land changes hands
Housing directors have agreed a deal to build hundreds of homes at the Conningbrook Lakes.
The 31-acre site has been earmarked for development, with funds from the developers going towards new facilities for sports and the creation of a country park.
The site had been owned by the Brett Group who used the site for quarrying materials, but last week directors from Clarion Housing Group completed a takeover.
They say the new lakeside village will contain a mix of two, three, four and five-bedroom houses, and some apartments, with the first expected to be ready for buyers in summer next year.
The company has already delivered the Bakers Court site in the town centre, now executive director of development Kerry Kyriacou said up to 300 homes will be built.
She said: “We have enjoyed an excellent working relationship with Ashford Borough Council (ABC) and now we look forward to helping to deliver its ambitious vision for Conningbrook Lakes.”
The company has approached Chartway Construction to build the houses, and the land already has planning permission.
ABC leader Gerry Clarkson said: “This is a project to transform the former quarry site next to the Julie Rose Stadium into a family orientated country park around the existing lakes.
“It will offer a variety of lei- sure and water-based activities for residents and visitors, our long term vision is to gradually increase the range and level of facilities over time.
“This will be funded through the residential development, so as the homes are built we can expand the activities available.
“With a beautiful lakeside setting, views to the North Downs and access to a network of country trails, this park is another stunning attraction for the borough and will be a place we hope many visitors will explore and enjoy.”
The country park opened in September 2015, but there have been problems with toxic algae and weeds growing. Last month the council announced a £150,000 scheme to clean up the lake to prevent the growth of the algae.
To find out more about the country park visit www.ashford. gov.uk/conningbrook-lakes.
‘This is a project to transform the former quarry site into a family orientated country park’