Ashford Borough Council

Appeal against Hampden Road refusal

13 July 2016 0 Comments

ABC CrestAn appeal has been lodged against the Ashford Borough Council’s decision not to allow the building of a new house in Hampden Road. The applicant claims that the latest design addressed previous comments made by planning officers.

The application, decision and appeal can be viewed on the Council’s website, Case Reference 16/00257/AS http://planning.ashford.gov.uk/Planning/details.aspx?systemkey=102902 ➚

We will amend the post on the Planning Notices page to reflect any decision on the appeal https://southashford.org.uk/index.php/2016/02/24/11-hampden-road-tn23-6jl/

Ashford Borough Council, News, Planning and Development

HMO Declared unlawful

12 July 2016 0 Comments

ABC CrestAshford Borough Council have declared the use of a property in Beaver Road as a Large House in Multiple Occupation as unlawful. The reason that the Council gives for its decision is: “The evidence submitted in the application does not establish that, on the balance of probabilities, the building has been used as a large HMO for up to 7 people continuously since 2006.”  (more…)

Ashford Borough Council, News, Planning and Development

Calling Kent Retailers

11 July 2016 0 Comments

loveashford_bannerAshford Borough Council is working in conjunction with ibd Business Advice Group LTD to offer local independent businesses across East Kent the chance to take part in a free business mentoring programme.

The mentoring programme will be launched in July and will offer independent retailers a unique chance to enhance and improve their business. Businesses are invited to attend a group workshop before having their own 1 to 1 tailored business session with mentors from ibd Group.

The workshops will cover all aspects of businesses management, from looking at businesses planning to marketing strategies. Mentors will provide specific support for independent retailers by helping them to understand the importance of using the right technology, online content and social media within their business. Retailers will also develop a business model, as well as enhancing their marketing strategy and branding.

More than 30 independent stores across Ashford, Tenterden, Dover, Shepway and Canterbury have already signed up to the free businesses masterclass.

Sally Pepper from ibd Group said:

“We are retail advisers each with over 20 years’ experience. We’ve owned and run our own businesses and have extensive knowledge from working in independents, high street multiples and international giants.“We are passionate about the regeneration of the high street and bring our experience, knowledge and support to independent retailers. We firmly believe they have a big role to play in whatever form our high streets take in the future.”Retailers can register their interest by emailing smallbusinessadvisoryservice@gmail.com

– See more at: www.loveashford.com/blog/calling-kent-retailers#sthash.Mr5TWGFQ.dpuf

Ashford Borough Council 11 July 2016

Ashford Borough Council, Business, News

East Kent Councils consider closer working

8 July 2016 0 Comments

ABC CrestEast Kent leaders have been taking part in a series of discussions about options for closer collaboration between the five East Kent district councils of Ashford, Canterbury, Dover, Shepway and Thanet.

This work is in response to the Government’s devolution agenda, financial challenges facing local government and the opportunity to drive improvements and growth in the East Kent region.

These discussions are in the very early stages and have led to a consensus to explore the potential benefits and savings that could be achieved through the merger of the five East Kent district councils, into a single district authority. It would also seek to explore the best place for services across the three tiers of local government (county, district and town & parishes) to ensure the most accessible and efficient services for the public.

In the coming weeks, each Council will consider a short paper seeking agreement to carry out a thorough evaluation of this opportunity. At this stage the reports are not seeking formal approval to go ahead with a merger but are seeking approval for a ‘statement of intent’ which then allows the councils to start exploring the options, through a business case evaluation.

The options will then be brought back to each Council around the end of the year for formal consideration and should the business case show that there are significant advantages, there will of course be consultation before a final decision is taken.

Ashford Borough Council, 7th July 2016
www.ashford.gov.uk/news/east-kent-councils-consider-closer-working-7th–1401/ ➚

Ashford Borough Council, Government, News

Beaver Ward Councillor retires

4 July 2016 0 Comments

Ashford Beaver WardJill Britcher, Borough Councillor for Beaver Ward has announced her resignation.

Following surgery earlier this year Jill and her husband have decided that they should move to a smaller house and garden they can manage better. They are moving out of Ashford to be near family.

Jill does not believe it is right for a councillor to live out of borough and so not be in touch with local issues and worries.

The returning officer for Ashford has announced the election for a new councillor, if contested, for Thursday 4th August. Nominations for candidates are open until 4 pm on Friday 8th July www.ashford.gov.uk/current-by-elections ➚

 

Ashford Borough Council, Democracy, News

SACF July 2016 Meeting

21 June 2016 0 Comments

Web bannerJuly 2016 Meeting


The next meeting of South Ashford Community Forum will take place
at 7:00 pm
on 13th July 2016
at South Ashford Baptist Church
Brookfield Road, TN23 4EY

The Agenda and the Minutes of the Meeting of 18th May can be downloaded from the Minutes and Agendas page.

Please do encourage your friends, colleagues and acquaintances, that live or work in South Ashford to come to this meeting

This meeting has been posted on the South Ashford Calendar bit.ly/sacfcal

Local Plan


There will be a presentation during the meeting by Daniel Carter, Principal Policy Planner at Ashford Borough Council, on ABC’s  Draft Local Plan. (more…)

Ashford Borough Council, News, Planning and Development, Planning Policy, SACF

Local Plan to 2030 consultation begins

15 June 2016 0 Comments

Local Plan mapAshford Borough Council is currently preparing a new Local Plan for the borough. The plan sets out the land that needs to be provided in the borough to accommodate new homes and jobs up to 2030. It also includes the policies that will be used to help decide planning applications.

The Local Plan to 2030 aims to make sure that future development within Ashford is well planned, helping to create great places and strong communities and provides a consistent approach to planning across the whole borough.

The new Local Plan will allocate sites for development as well as establishing planning policies and guidance to ensure local development is built in accordance with the principles of sustainable development.

It will address housing, employment, retail, leisure, transport, community infrastructure and environmental issues such as adapting to climate change and ensuring high quality design.

The general principle of the Local Plan is to encourage growth within the economy of Ashford to provide homes, employment, retail floor space and infrastructure such as community facilities and green spaces.

Whilst growth in the economy is important, the plan also seeks to protect Ashford’s valued assets such as heritage, leisure, nature and open spaces. (more…)

Ashford Borough Council, News, Planning and Development, Planning Policy

Where your money goes

15 June 2016 0 Comments

ABC CrestFollowing the report that Ashford Borough Council Cabinet members considered on 9th June, the Council is now making available for inspection its accounts for the 2015-16 financial year.

On a budget of £13m the Council reported a slight overspend of £27,000. Those accounts are now being made available for members of the public to view between 9am and 4.30pm from 16th June until 27th July 2016 at the Civic Centre in Tannery Lane, Ashford, or online at www.ashford.gov.uk/budgeting-accounts. (more…)

Ashford Borough Council, Democracy, Finance, News