Ashford is an overpriced B&B

After seeing the proposed plans in the Kentish Express for the Ashford flour mill [‘Bold plans for flour mill revealed’, Kentish Express, December 23], I have to say this is a shambles!

It is good news that someone has taken an interest in the building, however the artist’s

impressions of what has been drawn up takes away the integrity of the old building.

If this must be extended, at least match it to its current surroundings…

Sadly, in Ashford far too many old buildings which had character have been left in disrepair.

Rather than restoring them to save and preserve the town’s history, they have been lost to developers, causing Ashford to become nothing more than a pick ‘n’ mix town.

When visiting other towns, the age and character shines through.

What does Ashford have left?

Clearly, those in charge of these plans and proposals have no real concern for the town nor its occupants.

With so many new properties ‘popping up’ everywhere but no new jobs to cater for the constantly increasing population, Ashford is now nothing more than an overpriced bed and breakfast.

A concerning issue is parking facilities.

Nowhere in the proposal does it mention this, yet 53 new homes and the developer’s

‘headquarters’ are planned.

Are the occupants all going to be pedestrians or is ABC hoping to make money from these people with no choice but to park in car parks within close proximity to the proposal site?

Due to where this is located, a bare minimum of 70 parking spaces would be needed, one per property, which will leave 17 free for tradespersons, visitors and staff working within the offices. Another major issue will be the River Stour. Firstly it shows the properties to be quite a distance from the river’s edge and yet in reality, the river runs right down the side of the current site and due to the narrowing river at this point, the proposed area is also prone to flooding (current car park).

The vast amount of other buildings going up in Ashford also needs to be considered.

This puts additional water flowing down the river which will cause much more flooding, not just on the proposed site but around Ashford in general.

The only real way to prevent this from happening is to:

1. Dredge the rivers (this has not been done in Ashford for at least 20 years!)

2. Widen the river to accommodate more of the extra water.

It’s such a shame more people don’t voice their concerns/ opinions about the town they live in.

Brian Marchant