13/04/12

Economic boost for Ashford

Video: See the countryside that could be affected by the development

Plans to build new homes in Ashford will bring in thousands of jobs, according to developers. 

A draft for the controversial Chilmington Green development is set to go out for public consultation on Monday.

The project to build 5,750 homes at the hamlet is expected to be a 'significant economic generator.'

Planning agent Bob Sellwood, speaking on behalf of the developer consortium, said: "It is important to recognise that Chilmington Green is not just an issue of new homes."

He said it would generate 1,195 on site jobs and 1,350 jobs in the town as a whole, as well as resulting in £330 million of retail expenditure to support the town centre. A further £41.3 million will be injected to spend on infrastructure.

Other aspects of the proposal include a park, a secondary school, up to four primary schools, a high street and shops.

Mr Sellwood added that the government expected housing land to be "boosted significantly" nationally. He said the National Planning Policy Framework, published last week, indicated that local authorities were expected to take responsibility for meeting the housing needs of their areas. He also confirmed that South East Water have said it can meet the water demands of the development.

But concerns have been raised by Ashford Independent leader Cllr Peter Davison, who does not feel the plans for the huge development are justified.

"I personally don't feel the case for this development has been proven," he said. "I feel this document really won't address a long list of reasons why the development shouldn't go ahead. We have already built 15,000 houses. There's no immediate local need."

He has called for the plan to be deferred, but other councillors have argued it would enhance the area and it's time for the public to view the plans.

Deputy council leader Cllr Gerry Clarkson (Con) said: "People of Chilmington Green in the long term can feel confident that the area and community is being enhanced. They can gain and their property values will be heightened by the prospect of having a park and other things there."