Great Chart with Singleton Parish Council Expresses Deep Concern Over Hodson Development S106 Appeal, Ashford, Kent – December 31, 2024

Published: 06 January 2025

Hodson Developments is attempting to rescind or significantly delay their agreed infrastructure and local commitments for the Chilmington development. This would deprive residents of essential amenities such as shopping facilities, public transport, schools, and local recreational areas. These contributions are part of the Section 106 Agreement, a legally binding contract between the developer and the councils.

Chilmington was envisioned as a progressive new area of Ashford, with a collaborative effort between the developer and councils to create a comprehensive design code and area action plan. This approach is crucial for meeting the needs of both new and existing residents. Without it, the development fails to deliver on its promises.

Key Issues:

Road Improvements: Vital work on the A28 to handle the traffic from Chilmington could be withdrawn. This is essential and key to the reason the housing was allocated at this site. Without improvement, congestion and restrictions for emergency services could endanger lives.
Education Facilities: Critical for the growing community. Withdrawing funding and land for education will create an unsustainable environment, forcing residents to travel further for schooling. Hodson Developments aims to cut £14.9 million, including eliminating a primary school, which is a significant oversight in a long-term development.
Open Spaces and Community Assets: Vital for community wellbeing and social cohesion. The absence of additional green spaces and play areas will make the site unsustainable. Without these facilities, children will miss out on opportunities to walk to school, play locally, and engage with nature. The development will lack trees, completed roads, play parks, and natural learning environments.

Removing the district centre, which was the main way of creating a sustainable community, will strip the area of its soul. The absence of a Community Hub means activities will never be available, and daytime activities and childcare will be affected. Removing retail outlets and opportunities for local people to set up businesses, as seen in successful sites like Repton Park, will hinder local economic growth.

GCwSPC strongly opposes these proposed changes. The agreed infrastructure is crucial for the sustainable development of Chilmington Green and its surroundings. It ensures the new community is well-connected, well-served, and capable of thriving.

"We urge Hodson Developments to reconsider their position and honour their original commitments," said Yolanda Barker, Chair of the Planning Committee of GCwSPC. "We also call on the Planning Inspectorate to carefully consider the potential impact of these changes on the local community and to uphold the original Section 106 Agreement. Any further delays to infrastructure will affect the residents of Chilmington and the surrounding areas."

GCwSPC will continue to monitor the situation closely and collaborate with local residents and other stakeholders to protect our community's interests.

Contact: Great Chart with Singleton Parish Council
Email: theclerk@greatchartsingleton-pc.gov.uk
Phone: 01233 616923
Website: www.greatchartsingleton-pc.gov.uk