Green light for 16-storey residential development which will transform the skyline of Ashford

Ambitious plans to build a landmark high quality residential development on a prominent brownfield site in Ashford opposite the international railway station and featuring one of the tallest buildings in Kent have been approved.

To mark the granting of permission by Ashford Borough Council’s Planning Committee, the developer has announced that the scheme has been called Infinity Ashford, in honour of John Wallis (1616-1703), who was born and raised in Ashford before becoming one of the world’s most eminent mathematicians, and best known for his pioneering work into infinity.

The multi-million pound scheme will be built at the junction of Beaver Road and Avenue Jacques Faucheux, a short walk south of the town centre and opposite Ashford International Station. Key features include:

• The 216 homes comprises 207 apartments and nine riverside townhouses, plus three commercial units on the ground floor in Beaver Road.
• The quality homes are made up of 66 x 1 bed apartments, 117 x 2 bed apartments, 24 x 3 bed apartments and 9 x 3 bed townhouses.
• A rooftop restaurant providing 360 degree views over the town.
• The scheme comprises four main buildings plus townhouses fronting the River Stour, dominated by a 16-storey tower (18 storeys including parking levels).
• An attractive elevated landscaped courtyard set in the middle of the buildings.

The crossroads is currently a hotbed of regeneration. The award-winning Curious Brewery is opposite, a Hampton by Hilton hotel has opened at the junction, and Victoria Point, another large-scale residential development, has recently been completed.

Developer, ABC Property, says a two year build time is expected for Infinity Ashford before the units are available for occupation. It bought the land from the Southern Housing Group in 2019. The site has been cleared ready for work to start after HomePlus Furniture moved to alternative premises in the town centre.

The design of the scheme has been significantly refined after councillors on the Planning Committee originally called for a bolder approach to take full advantage of the site’s prominent location at one of the main gateways to the town centre. ABC Property has worked tirelessly with its Architects, Canterbury-based On Architecture, and the Ashford Design Review Panel to meet the challenge set by planners.

In addition to the design refinements which include the addition of penthouse units in the two tallest towers, more landscaping and tree planting is planned and additional solar panels on roofs add to the development’s environmental credentials.

Keith Hollidge, Commercial Development Manager at ABC Property, said: “We are delighted that the Committee endorsed our exciting vision for this development, which is destined to set a new quality benchmark for the residential market in Ashford.

“We will be able to offer an unrivalled location opposite the railway station, with its 38 minute connection to central London via High Speed services, and local facilities including the newly-expanded Ashford Designer Outlet. We will now waste no time in turning our vision for this fantastic development into a reality.”

New branding has been created for Infinity Ashford and a website will be launched soon.

ABC Property is working with On Architecture as Architects, Betteridge & Milsom as Project Managers and Employer’s Agent, and DHA as Planning and Transport Consultants.

The application was approved subject to a number of conditions, including agreement on S106 contributions. It is also subject to agreement on measures to mitigate the site’s impact on nutrient levels at the Stodmarsh Lakes. All proposed new developments in the River Stour catchment area of East Kent are currently being impacted, and the Infinity Ashford developer is possibly looking at offsetting this by developing a large wetland area away from the town.