The planning officer then noted this was the committee's last chance to make a decision on the scheme, as a formal non-determination appeal notification had been lodged with the council. An aerial view of the 'Ashford Shard' plan. Independent Cllr George Sparks said the scheme is "as good as we're going to get" and signalled a wish to approve.Ĭllr Jessamy Blanford called the development "a landmark" that shouldn't be a "copy of a Victorian building, we want something new and eye-catching". Saying that the design panel prompted significant design improvements and that the massing was as broken up as possible, Cllr Ovenden also noted that any profits arising from the development would go directly back into council coffers so increased contributions would be unnecessary. He said that while he "can understand those who are stuck in the ideal that Ashford is a sleepy little market town, time does not stand still, time does roll on and we must progress". The building will tower over the Hampton by Hilton hotel being constructed on the other side of the road. It was suggested by Cllr Paul Clokie (Con) that it would be "fundamentally wrong" if rents were to subsidise the financial viability, but a planning officer said this was a standard planning method.Īshford Independent councillor Noel Ovenden feared the committee was "kicking the can down the road with this application", and said those wishing to defer or refuse should come up with "legitimate reason for refusal, so we'd at least be moving forward". However Cllr Liz Wright (Green) questioned the design, and asked if sustainability could be improved.Ĭllr Euan Anckorn (Lab) then agreed to all previous concerns, seconding the motion to defer. The 'Ashford Shard' will sit on the Victoria Road and Beaver Road junction He then proposed a motion to approve the proposal. "Tweaking the position of balconies doesn't address the issue of massing, which the committee has rightly found to be inappropriate in our borough."Ĭonservative councillor Neil Shorter said the design panel had resulted in significant changes - even if they're not to everyone's taste - and noted how the developer contributions had been decided based on an independently written viability report. Picture: On ArchitectureĬllr Dara Farrell (Lab) also had strong words over the design changes, saying: "On two occasions, this committee has objectively judged this proposal as needing improvements to overall quality of design and I'm still waiting for that improvement. HomePlus used to occupy the site The building is being touted as a landmark, particularly for travellers entering Ashford International from across the country. He also questioned whether the contributions could be spent on the nearby Victoria Park instead of Conningbrook Park.
#Plains of ashfrod shards of war windows#
She also pointed out the design changes that had been made, including adding some double height windows and removing green cladding.īob Shrubb from the South Ashford Community then said: "We support the development of this brownfield site, but remains concerned over the impact this will have on Beaver Road." Picture: On ArchitectureĪ planning officer noted that contributions had been re-negotiated, with the developer offering a one-off £250,000 cash injection into the area.Įmma Hawks from planning agent DHA Planning highlighted how "clearly this would significantly reduce the agreed developers profits, however our client is willing to accept this in order to address the local concern". A top-floor restaurant will also feature in the development. However the plan in front of the planning committee last night was finally deemed acceptable by councillors. Similar questions were raised in a December meeting, prompting a design review panel to be held. The proposal has been tweaked a number of times, as questions were raised in a June 2020 meeting over the design, the amount of affordable housing and developer contributions. Last night's meeting of ABC's planning committee marked the end of an arduous planning process, having taken almost two years from the scheme's initial reveal.
Submitted by Ashford Borough Council's property investment wing A Better Choice for Property Ltd, the striking building will boast three ground floor shops and a top-floor restaurant with panoramic views. How the 16-storey building could look from Victoria Road. The scheme - dubbed the 'Ashford Shard' - will see 207 apartments and nine townhouses built on the ex-HomePlus site at the junction of Avenue Jacques Faucheux and Beaver Road.
Plans to build a 16-storey block of flats on the site of a former homeware store have finally been approved.
0 kommentar(er)
