Secretary of State grants permission for a landmark sustainable development in Ashford, Kent
On the 3rd July 2008 the Secretary of State granted outline planning permission to a developer for one of the largest mixed use zero carbon emission developments in the south east of England. The permission allows for over 1000 residential units together with commercial and retail floorspace, parking and other associated infrastructure in Ashford, Kent. The proposed design of the development will achieve Code for Sustainable Homes Level 6 for water and energy use and Level 5 overall and uses wood as main construction material for the scheme.
The grant followed an Inquiry in early 2008 where Mark Lowe QC and Thomas Cosgrove appeared on behalf of the developer, Zed Homes Ltd. The issues addressed at the Inquiry included consideration of design, retail policy, ecology, housing policy, viability and affordable housing provision.
