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An abandoned waste site described as a “considerable eyesore” is to become a £2.6m council depot after plans were approved.
Ashford Borough Council (ABC) purchased the former paper recycling plant in Ninn Lane, near Great Chart, for £850,000 in 2022, but is currently losing £55,000 a year in holding costs.
The vacant brownfield plot was last used by Prima Paper Services Ltd as a processing site in December 2019.
However, council chiefs submitted an application to demolish the four existing buildings on the land earlier this year.
Last week, 12 out of 13 members of the authority’s planning committee approved the scheme.
It means the 2.4-acre site will now house three new buildings – one for general ABC office space, another for housing and electrical services, and a third for Aspire services, the authority’s grounds maintenance team.
Matthew Garvey of DHA Planning, which put forward the proposal on behalf of the council, said: “Centralising these key in-house services will deliver operational efficiencies.
“It offers an opportunity for further economic development, the introduction of new businesses, and job creation in the borough.
“It represents an exciting opportunity to deliver a high-quality scheme for the council while redeveloping a brownfield site in the countryside which is a considerable eyesore at present.”
Thirty car parking spaces are planned, alongside a further 16 for light goods vehicles and 11 cycle spaces.
ABC had previously planned to build a £4.5m industrial estate on the land, but that scheme was dropped amid financial concerns.
The council – which is run by an Ashford Independents/Green Party coalition – adds Aspire’s move will “free up” industrial units at Carlton Road Business Park, within Cobbs Wood Industrial Estate, where it is currently based.
Up to £85,000 a year could also be made in rent as a result of the switch.
Construction is estimated to cost £2.6m, which ABC intends to borrow.
Bosses expect construction will last about 10 months, with the units occupied by council services in 2027.
Speaking at last week’s meeting, Cllr David Ledger (Ash Ind, Weald South) said: “I’ve been very supportive of this application.
“It gets a big tick from me as well as the brownfield reuse side of it.
“I think we can really use it as a flagship site for the council.”
The new buildings will be staggered across the site, broadly located on the site of the existing structures.
Cllr Simon Betty (Ash Ind) abstained from the vote due to his role as cabinet member for property and investment.
Speaking in November, he said: “The potential relocation of Aspire from its existing depot on Carlton Road Business Park offers the longer-term opportunity to develop further industrial units on this well-located site.
“This will bring forward much-needed employment land and satisfy the ongoing demand for industrial space.”
