Local Plan

Ashford Borough Council is preparing a new Local Plan for the borough and is inviting
local communities to get involved in the process.

The council is holding a series of events throughout the summer to provide residents with
the opportunity to find out more about how the new Ashford Local Plan will be prepared,
what it will cover, what stage are we at, and when we will go out to formal public
consultation.

Attendees will be able to share their aspirations for the borough, as well as frustrations, on
matters such as the environment, future needs for local housing, jobs, green spaces, and
both existing and new infrastructure as well as a whole range of other topics that fall with
the remit of planning.

A Local Plan provides the opportunity to shape the places that we live, work and socialise.
It addresses the needs for housing and employment and provides a series of planning
policies covering many other topics such as community facilities and infrastructure, the
natural and historic environment, adapting to climate change and achieving well designed
places.

Although the general principle of the plan is to encourage growth within the economy of
Ashford, our Local Plan will also seek to protect Ashford’s valued assets including our
landscapes, heritage, and open spaces for leisure and nature.

Once adopted, the policies within a Local Plan are used as the starting point to decide
planning applications for future development.

Simon Cole, Assistant Director for Planning and Development said: “Everyone is affected
by planning so it’s important to get involved and have your say. These events are intended
to explain the process and provide an opportunity to meet the planning team. You can find
out where sites have been put forward by landowners, ask questions and leave feedback.
“By working together with residents and other stakeholders at this early stage, as well as
throughout the later formal consultations, we can ensure that appropriate development
delivers the affordable homes and infrastructure that our borough needs.”
The council is holding a total of eight ‘in person’ community events across the borough
throughout July and August. These events will be followed by two virtual events in late
August/early September for those who are unable or prefer not to attend in person.

The events are intended to be ‘drop in’ sessions open to all members of the community

and residents may attend any of the events in any of the locations.
The council will review and collate all the feedback received during the community events,
which will be used to gain a better understanding of key local issues and, where
appropriate, inform the content of the draft version of the new Local Plan.

Venue Date Time
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

Virtual via Microsoft Teams

Thursday 5 September 6 - 8pm

Feedback forms will be available at all our in-person events. Alternatively, you can provide

feedback online using the link: https://haveyoursay.ashford.gov.uk/lp-explained-events

All feedback must be provided by 5pm on Monday 16 September.

To find out more about the Local Plan visit: www.ashford.gov.uk/emerging-local-plan