Councillor’s reaction to ‘hollow win’

Though two of the appeals were refused, Ashford Borough councillor for Wye Noel Ovenden (Ashford Independents) called it a “hollow victory”.

He said: “Ultimately, I’m pleased we have the slight hiatus on the new-build sites and I’m ambivalent about the college buildings - it’ll be nice to see the exterior brought back to its former glory.

“But I still feel the units have been crammed in, that the parking isn’t adequate for a village build, and that there are still a lot of questions remaining in the conditions.”

Cllr Ovenden did note the inspectors’ agreeing on principle to the two refused sites, suggesting future development is inevitable.

He expressed particular frustration that the Latin School building - often open to the public - is now a private property, despite his calls to keep it a community building.

Summing up, he said: “I can only hope the developer keeps its promise to build the quality development they’ve said they’re going to build.

“To try and take a positive out of this, if it grows into a community where people are inviting neighbours and friends into the college building because they’re proud of it, then it might maintain some community spirit within it that is shared to the whole village, rather than kept in the gated community it could become.”

Meanwhile, an ABC spokeswoman said: “We are working through the inspector’s judgement to understand the reasoning behind the decision so are unable to comment further at the moment.”

Residents reacted to the Planning Inspectorate’s decision on our Kentish Express Facebook page.

Andrew Hanson said: “A great step forward in my opinion.

“I also think the remaining land to the old college should be released for development... it’s a good starting point nevertheless.”

Derek Butcher said: “I doubt very much it would have an impact on water levels in Stodmarsh – that’s more than 15 miles away!”