Bid To Extend Waterbrook Park In Sevington, Ashford, Revealed As Plans Submitted To Borough Council

A bid to further extend a growing business park has been unveiled, with bosses promising a variety of “job prospects”.

DHA Planning, on behalf of GSE Commercial Estates, has submitted plans to Ashford Borough Council (ABC) for an undeveloped parcel of land next to Waterbrook Park in Sevington.

The building would sit next to the newly approved David Lloyd Health Club site on Waterbrook Park, Ashford

The company says the plot opposite Ashford International Truckstop would “provide purpose-built facilities” and “support the growth of the surrounding area” by allowing multiple small and medium businesses to trade.

Outline approval was granted for the development in August 2019, which, if given full planning permission, will see one building split between a 6,000 sq ft unit and a smaller 2,000 sq ft unit.

Featuring 21 parking spaces, the primary access point to the site would be via Arrowhead Road just off the A2070 and its controversial Bellamy Gurner junction.

Interior and exterior LED lighting and other renewable measures such as solar and photovoltaic panels are also proposed for the scheme – which would sit directly next to the David Lloyd Health Club approved by the authority in August.

A spokesman for GSE said: “The latest application is a result of strong demand for commercial space at Waterbrook Park and is part of our ongoing commitment to provide suitable premises for local businesses to thrive.

The proposed plot sits just off the A2070 on the approach to the Bellamy Gurner junction in Ashford. Picture: Google

The new building at Waterbrook Park would be split into two separate units. Picture: Clague Architects

“This specific application will create 8,000 sq ft of new business space, representing the latest step in the wider Waterbrook Park development.”

Further information submitted within planning documents says the development “will provide a convenient industrial/commercial facility for local residents [by] providing job prospects, as well as local and conveniently placed facilities for retail of large scale or trade items”.

Despite its close proximity to the A2070 Bad Munstereifel Road, Kent Highways says it instead has concerns about a lack of space for articulated vehicles and manoeuvring room for vehicles using the proposed car parking spaces.

It says these “may be possible to overcome” if amendments were made to the aisle width of the parking plot.

Waterbrook Park has been allocated for development since 2000 and is featured in ABC’s most recent Local Plan up to 2030 for a mix of residential and commercial uses.

There are already several developments set for Waterbrook Park in Ashford

The David Lloyd Leisure scheme opposite the proposed development site will feature three tennis courts, four swimming pools, and a spa. Picture: Hadfield Cawkwell Davidson Limited

An artist’s impression of the Aldi store on Waterbrook Park. Picture: Aldi

Find out about planning applications that affect you by visiting the Public Notice Portal.

Should its latest planned development be given the green light, the building is expected to be joined at Waterbrook by the arrival of almost 400 new homes a – project which GSE is also behind alongside Mulberry Homes.

A total of 144 have already been given the nod for construction, albeit not without controversy after the developers were accused of trying to commit “environmental vandalism” by felling trees to make space for a wetland on the estate.

Meanwhile, other plans on Waterbrook include an Aldi supermarket – approved in October – plus a new Taco Bell drive-thru and Ashford’s fourth KFC.

This is alongside a petrol station and more than 50,000 sq ft of car showroom space.

A further 22 acres of commercial use which has yet to be fully approved has also been earmarked for the site.

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