Scheme gets green light amid fears

Despite raising concerns over the 50- home proposal, Cllr Sparks moved to approve the plan in line with the council officer’s recommendation.

Cllr Neil Shorter (Con) stated that “KCC Highways has looked at this in great detail”, but asked whether the developers of the two proposals could work together to stagger the building schedules.

After Cllr Shorter seconded the approval motion, Cllr Diccon Spain (Lab) expressed concerns over the impact on traffic in the wider area and said he was “minded to defer this until we get a more holistic view of the traffic”.

Cllr Noel Ovenden (Ash Ind) was also worried about private driveways being used as passing places.

However a planning officer was quick to note this was not the applicant’s intention and also reminded members that they are considering this application by itself and not in conjunction with the St Mary’s Close application.

The officer continued to say that phasing of the projects was not included in the Local Plan so it wouldn’t be possible, following which Cllr Spain rescinded his motion.

The motion to approve was supported by 12 councillors, with three abstaining.

The 80-home plan off St Mary’s Close, which also includes a 60-bed care home, was deferred by Ashford Borough Council’s planning committee in July.

Hallam Land Management Limited is behind the scheme.

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Councillor George Sparks raised fears over the scheme