Will proposals for rural housing in the Ashford Borough be hit by Core Strategy uncertainty?

The Ashford Borough Council Core Strategy Examination in Public heard this week from the Inspector that he is concerned that he may be forced to conclude that the Core Strategy is “unsound”, due to doubts over the evidence presented on transport issues, concerning the proposed growth areas.

The Council recently published a call for site proposals to be put forward, to be considered in one of the next stages of the new Local Development Framework considering Tenterden, the villages, and the rural areas. Owners or agents have been asked to submit proposals by Friday 20th July 2007.

Concerns have been raised that, if the Core Strategy is delayed – perhaps by 2 to 3 years – this will put back proposals for new housing, which is urgently required to meet needs in these areas.

Commenting on these suggestions, David Jarman, a director of the Hobbs Parker Property Consultants LLP, stated: “Even if the Core Strategy is delayed – as now appears likely – I understand that the Council will press on with their detailed studies of Tenterden, the villages and rural areas. This must be the correct approach – the Council have accepted the principle of 1,500 new homes in these areas, over the period up to 2021, and the Inspector will be considering representations from ourselves, and other parties, supporting a higher level of housing in Tenterden and the villages, and seeking more site allocations, rather than relying on the possibility that small sites will continue to come forward in the future.”

He added: “It is very important that landowners meet the 20th July deadline, our practice are currently preparing representations on behalf of a number of clients, to assist the Council in their future studies of the rural areas of the District. The Councils main emphasis is on Tenterden, Hamstreet, Charing and Wye, together with Aldington, Biddenden, Bethersden, Challock, Chilham, Hothfield, High Halden, Rolvenden and Woodchurch, but the Council are inviting proposals from all rural settlements.”

For further information contact:
David Jarman, Director, Hobbs Parker Property Consultants LLP