Councillors have voted to approve plans to renovate the Old Railway Works in Newtown, Ashford.

Members of the borough council’s planning committee last night voted to permit the works, by Kier Property, which would see part demolition and redevelopment of the 7.88 hectare site to provide mixed residential and commercial use.

Work could start next year to transform the largely derelict site by building 788 new residential units as well 140 residential units within listed buildings.

There are also plans to refurbish the gatehouse and clock tower and the Kiln Cafe for commercial use.

It is proposed to include 957 car parking spaces.

Ward member Cllr Brian Norris said: “I welcome this application because this has long been an area of decline and it needs bringing back up to date.”

Cllr Jill Hutchinson described it as “a very exciting thing for Ashford.”

But Cllr Bernard Heyes said: “I’m afraid, again, it is a missed opportunity. This is a pivotal site of brown land development in Ashford and the density is just beyond recognition.”

He expressed worry over the number of parking spaces in relation to homes and the controversial undercroft parking.

Cllr Paul Clokie said: “The mix will depend on the market at the time.

“That means, of course, that the density could be as high as or as low as.

“Those who think it would be more pleasant to have the listed buildings turned into townhouses or maisonettes above a commercial downstairs and two/three bedroom houses scattered around the rest of the site are living in cloud cuckoo land.”