A number of innovative homes which combine living space with room to run a business have been launched.

Nine of the 'live/work' properties are being created by developer Crest Nicholson at is Finberry site in Ashford.

Designed to combine living space on the first and second floors, they come with purpose-built workspace on the ground floor for those who want to work from home or start their own business.

Annette Cole, sales and marketing director at Crest Nicholson Eastern, said: “There are a large number of small businesses and start-ups in the county, with 89.8% of businesses in Kent classed as 'micro-businesses', meaning they have just 0-9 employees. We’ve created the live/work units to meet demand in Kent for new styles of homes to suit adapting lifestyles.

“The properties could work for a range of businesses – from small architectural practices and regional accountancy firms, to artists’ studios or wedding planners. Money and time saved on commuting could be spent just generally having a better work/ life balance."

Cllr Paul Clokie, Ashford Borough Council portfolio holder for planning, said: “I’m delighted to see that these properties are now on the market. They add to the character of the emerging local centre and provide opportunities for people to start up a business in high quality surroundings which, hopefully will grow and prosper, perhaps leading them to expand into a larger business premises elsewhere in the town.”

Jo James, chief executive of the Invicta Chamber of Commerce: “With increasing entrepreneurs setting up business in Ashford, they certainly meet a growing demand."