Acting on behalf of Denbay limited we objected to the Ashford Town Centre Area Action Plan (AAP) through the Local Development Framework (LDF) process.

The objection related to the site of the former “B&Q Store” which lies in close proximity to Ashford's International station and is part of the envisaged regeneration of the town's “international quarter”.

We had agreed a great deal with the local planning authority in terms of the principle of a landmark building of high architectural quality on the site however there was an on-going issue as to the level of office development that the site can support, with the policy requiring any scheme to be office-led.

We submitted evidence, in conjunction with a local office agent, and appeared at the development plan inquiry, to support our view that a residentially-led scheme is the only viable option and that this can only deliver a modest component of office floor space in addition to a ground floor retail or leisure use. The policy was amended to reflect our concerns and we are now working on a scheme for submission.