Have your say on the new local plan for Ashford
We've been involved in thousands of sale/let moves over our 30+ years in business to know just how important our homes are. Equally as important, are our local communities, the visual landscape, and our environment where we live. We want to make everyone aware they can have a say in how that future looks, and now is the opportunity.
Ashford Borough Council is preparing a new Local Plan for the borough and they are inviting local people and communities, businesses and other interested parties to be involved and have their say.
What is happening with the local plan?
Ashford Borough Council is preparing a new Local Plan which will include a new strategy and planning policies to underpin the growth and change across the borough to 2041. They do this to ensure any local development is built in accordance with the principles of sustainable development. Once adopted, the new Local Plan will replace the current Ashford Local Plan 2030.
Have your say:
The council is holding a series of in person and virtual events throughout the summer to provide communities with the opportunity to find out more about what will be covered in the new Ashford Local Plan, what stage they are at, and when it will go out to formal public consultation.
There is no need to register, just turn up on the days and times listed below:
Ashford Cinema, Elwick Road, Ashford, TN23 1AE
Tuesday 16 July, 2 - 8pm
Shadoxhurst Village Hall, Hornash Lane, Shadoxhurst, Ashford, TN26 1HT
Wednesday 17 July, 2 - 8pm
Hamstreet Victory Hall, Ruckinge Road B2067, Ashford, TN26 2NJ
Wednesday 24 July, 2 - 8pm
Wye Village Hall, Bridge Street, Wye, Ashford, TN25 5EA
Wednesday 31 July, 2 - 8pm
Chilham Village Hall, Chilham Castle Estate, Chilham, CT4 8DB
Thursday 1 August, 2 - 8pm
Tenterden Leisure Centre, Recreation Ground Road, Tenterden, TN30 6RA
Tuesday 6 August, 2 - 8pm
Charing Church Barn, Market Place, Charing, Ashford, TN27 0LP
Thursday 8 August, 2 - 8pm
Sandyacres Sports & Social Club, Sandyhurst Lane, Ashford, TN25 4PE
Monday 12 August, 2 - 8pm
Virtual via Microsoft Teams
Wednesday 28 August, 6 – 8pm
Thursday 5 September, 6 - 8pm
What is a Local Plan?
The Local Plan is a legal document which the Council are required to prepare following a process set out in legislation and supportive to the National Planning Policy Framework and National Planning Policy Guidance.
The Local Plan is an important legal document which provides an opportunity to:
- shape the places that we live, work and socialise;
- address needs and opportunities in relation to local housing, the local economy, community facilities and infrastructure;
- have a positive impact on the natural and built environment; and
- mitigate and adapt to climate change.
- Once adopted, the new Local Plan will replace the current Ashford Local Plan 2030.
What will be covered at the community events?
Ashford Borough Council state:
"The events are intended to provide you with the opportunity to find out more about the new Local Plan and the process so that you can tell us what you think, ask questions and leave feedback.
Whilst explaining the process, we would also like to hear your likes and dislikes about where you live and your aspirations for the borough over the next 15 years on matters such as the environment, future needs for local housing, jobs, green spaces, and existing and new infrastructure etc. This is about planning for the future and addressing the issues of the present."
To get involved and be kept informed on the progress of the emerging Local Plan please sign up to join the Have Your Say Consultation Portal.
📷 The image above was taken by one of our in-house professional photographers from the North Kent Downs overlooking the village of Brook and beyond towards Ashford town centre.