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Mersham-le-Hatch Business Village near Ashford set to expand amid ‘significant demand’

By: Louis Walker lwalker@thekmgroup.co.uk

Published: 05:00, 20 April 2024

Owners of a popular business park want to expand the site as it continues to “buck the trend” of failing high streets in the county.

Mersham-le-Hatch Business Village, off the A20 near Ashford, has submitted plans for five additional retail units amid “significant demand” for more space.

Former stable blocks have been converted at Mersham-le-Hatch Business Village

Bosses hope to extend a recently converted garage to provide two more units and construct a new building opposite to offer three further spots.

They say the scheme “will be inkeeping” with the rest of the site, which was opened by late entrepreneur Jimmy Godden and forms part of the historic Mersham-le-Hatch Estate.

The plans, submitted by Mr Godden’s widow Rochelle, are being considered by Ashford Borough Council (ABC), which approved the original scheme in 2004.

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All current spots at the business park, which is formed out of ex-stable blocks and outbuildings of the nearby manor house, are occupied, meaning owners need to “construct new units that are sympathetic in design”.

In a statement prepared by S. I. Chartered Building Surveyors on behalf of the owners, it said: “The business village has developed over the last 15 years and is now a successful commercial development, but is sympathetic to its historic surroundings.

Mersham-le-Hatch Business Village is off the A20 near Junction 10a in Ashford. Picture: KMG
Ashford Borough Council approved plans for Mersham-le-Hatch Business Village in 2004

“This is very much bucking the trend that is currently being experienced nationally within the general high street.

“As there are no other buildings within the development to convert, it is therefore necessary to construct new units that are sympathetic in design to the current buildings.”

It is hoped the construction of the new units will add at least 10 jobs to the site, which is home to two restaurants and a variety of businesses.

The former garage earmarked for development is currently home to Mrs Page Aesthetics and Easy Feet Podiatry, and both businesses have welcomed the scheme.

Chloe Page, 25, who opened Mrs Page Aesthetics in 2022, said: “Personally, I can't wait for it, I think it's going to be amazing.

Chloe Page, of Mrs Page Aesthetics, has run her business at Mersham-le-Hatch Business Village for the last two years
This area used for disabled parking is earmarked for five additional units at Mersham-le-Hatch Business Village; the current disabled parking will be moved into the existing car park

“It would be nice if there was more footfall, but it’s absolutely beautiful here, and there’s a lot of potential for any new business to thrive.”

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Lucy Willcox, 27, owner of Easy Feet Podiatry, believes the development provides an ideal spot for businesses.

“I looked at Ashford town centre when I was looking for my own place and the rates were ridiculously expensive for what I would’ve been getting,” she said.

“Shops are shutting down left, right and centre, people just aren’t going to town anymore.

Lucy Wilcox, of Easy Feet Podiatry, thinks the new units will be excellent for the estate
Lucy Wilcox's Easy Feet Podiatry business has one of the converted garage units at Mersham Le Hatch Business Village

“I think business parks like this are better. It’s like a little community. We all recommend each other, and you don’t have the same parking issues you have in town, either.”

A decision on the plans is expected to be made in May.

Find out about planning applications that affect you by visiting the Public Notice Portal.

Elsewhere in the Ashford borough, a gift emporium has taken over an empty unit in Tenterden.

Sid’s Emporium opened in October, filling the shop between County Clothes and Vicki’s Bridal Boutique in East Cross.

Sid's Emporium is home to 52 stalls selling a variety of goods including antiques
Sid's Emporium in East Cross, Tenterden
Inside Sid's Emporium in East Cross, Tenterden

The owners spent three months converting the space, which features 52 stalls.

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