Kentish Express Ashford & District
More flats planned for town centre
A new block of flats could be built in Ashford town centre if permission is granted.
The four-storey structure would be constructed alongside an existing three-storey block in Drum Lane opposite the County Square shopping centre.
Comprising six one-bedroom apartments, the site was previously used as parking for the former Royal Bank of Scotland building in New Rents.
If the new block is approved, there would be 12 total spaces installed.
A lockable cycle storage cabinet would also be installed for each new apartment.
In an attached design and access statement, applicant Roundwood Property writes: “A key consideration in the assessment of this planning application is the sustainable location of the proposal in Ashford town centre, and the identified need for one bedroom residential units at this location.
“This application is supported by assessments and reports addressing technical issues, as summarised in this statement.
“These reports demonstrate that the proposed development is technically and visually acceptable, particularly in terms of its potential impacts on the surrounding heritage assets.”
The junction of Drum Lane and New Rents had to be cordoned off in December after a pedestrian was hit by a car outside Ashford Sewing Centre.
However the traffic report focuses mainly on undercroft access to what would be the developed site, and says of this access point: “The highway access junction will continue to have satisfactory visibility.”