Town future still uncertain

Parcels of empty land are scattered across Ashford.

Many of them can be found in Victoria Way, or areas close to it.

Some sites are already earmarked for development, including Elwick Place and the former Godinton Way Industrial Park.

However, for others, future development is uncertain.

Most of the sites along Victoria Way were included in the town centre area action plan, which sets out the overall strategy for the future of the town centre and identifies specific sites for development.

The plan was adopted by Ashford Borough Council(ABC) in 2010, although there are plans to review it.

ABC planning policy manager, Simon Cole, said the aim is to publish the new local plan at the end of this year, or early next year.

One of the most promising sites for development is Elwick Place, for which it is hoped will soon house a cinema, retail units and a mix of bars and restaurants.

Mr Cole said: “There is interest, which shows we are a growing town.

“You find you need one developer who takes the first leap. Others will follow. It is a positive cycle. Elwick Place is a key site for us.”

He added Ashford International Station is a unique point for the town and with the proposed expansion of the Designer Outlet, things are moving closer together.

Other sites which are being redeveloped include International House and Dover Place,which are to be part of Ashford’s commercial quarter, former office block The Panorama, which will include 234 apartments and Bakers Court, which will provide 27 new homes.

Mr Cole added: “Having people in the town centre is important. This gives the investors more confidence.”

What do you think? Write to Kentish Express, 34-36 North Street, Ashford, TN24 8JR or email kentishexpress@thekmgroup.co.uk park. The permission has now expired.

ABC said it believes an offer for the private purchase of the site has been accepted and so would anticipate new proposals coming forward here in the near future. 8. Gasworks Lane site The demolition of the giant gas holder on the former gasworks site was completed earlier this year. The land is believed to be owned by British Gas.

The area is earmarked for development in the current Town Centre Plan for housing, although ABC say there have been no recent communications with the landowner. 9. Land at Carlton Road The HCA is the landowner.

ABC say it understood that offers for the site have been made but didn’t know any other details. 10. Leacon Road/Bombardier site ABC say the Brett site is currently allocated for housing development in the Town Centre Plan and it will be put forward again for that use in the new Local Plan.

The Bombardier land is in different ownership, and ABC say they have not had any direct communication with them as to their aspirations for the redevelopment of the site.

Earlier this year, a make shift lorry park sprung up on the land next to the site.

Dozens of HGVs have been spotted parking on the former industrial site, which is off Beaver Lane.

It is not known who established the ‘pop-up’ lorry park but ABC has now confirmed that an application should be submitted to it for the use of the land as an HGV yard.

The council is currently waiting for the land owner to “explain the situation”.

Council planning policy manager Simon Cole