Scheme will ‘unlock plot’s potential’

Coming to a vote last Wednesday, only the motion to approve was tabled. It passed with 10 votes against two, namely councillors Cllr Heyes and Cllr Gerald White.

James Bishop, acquisitions director at U+I, said: “The councillors’ decision to approve the scheme, in line with their officer’s recommendation, is great news. “We have worked closely with officers over recent months to incorporate feedback from councillors, and we are confident that the approved scheme will unlock the potential of the site and provide an attractive place for new and existing Ashford residents to live and visit.”

As well as the flats, a loopthe-loop bridge designed by artist Alex Chinneck is to be installed over the River Stour as part of the development.

▪ A fall-back plan for the site's Grade II-listed Whist House was also approved at the planning committee meeting last Wednesday. Despite a more recent proposal to convert the building into a restaurant, councillors debated the potential residential use of the building.

Plans to convert the building into a four-bedroom house were approved last week.

At the meeting, Cllr Dara Farrell (Lab) questioned why it wasn’t the restaurant plan being debated. A council officer said:

“This would be the applicant’s fall-back decision if the councillors decide not to approve the restaurant.” An incredibly short discussion ensued, with only three councillors spoke on the item.

Cllr Graham Galpin, who tabled the motion to approve, said: “This is cracking, getting Whist House back in use.

“It’s languished for too long and we need to get it back into the public eye.” Cllr Chris Waters admired the ambition of the restaurant plan, and promoted it as his preferred option. After Cllr Brad Bradford seconded the motion to approve, a unanimous vote approved the applicant’s secondary option of a town house.

▪ What do you think about the Kent Wool Growers plan? Write to Kentish Express, Unit 4, Park Mall shopping centre, Ashford, TN24 8RY or email kentishexpress@thekmgroup.co.uk

The Whist House site