Controversial plans to build more than 200 flats including a 14-storey block on the former Kent Wool Growers site have finally been approved.

London developers U+I are to convert the former premises of the farming retailer in Tannery Lane, which closed after 100 years of trading in 2017.

It comes after the plans were sent back to the drawing board in January and branded a “monstrosity” amid concerns about the scheme’s look and parking.

But the project was approved at a meeting of the Ashford Borough Council planning committee after bosses revised the plan.

Architect Guy Hollaway tweaked the design of the scheme, which was recommended for approval by a planning officer.

“Members will remember this application was deferred over a number of concerns,” Mr Hollaway said.

“When that happens we just have to pick ourselves up and improve the scheme.

“Some of the comments made were regarding the riverside building - it had a blank face, whether it could enhance the area and whether it was too high.

“We looked at that and we thought we could curve the building around."

Four apartment blocks are to be built, providing 243 flats.

U+I had initially planned to build 254 flats, but reduced the total by 11 after the plan was deferred in January.

The tallest apartment block is still 14 storeys high, but more two-bed flats will now be built than previously proposed.

Cllr Graham Galpin (Con), portfolio holder for corporate property, proposed the motion to approve the plan.

He said: “This is one of those times where the developer has gone away, had a think about it, and came back with something infinitely better.

“I’m delighted with what’s come forward. If we are to meet our housing requirements, we need to build up rather than out and we absolutely have to build on brownfield sites.

“I’m absolutely delighted that the developers listened to the Ashford Access Group. They were concerned with the need for a ramp and to put it in at this late hour is commendable.”

Bosses also tweaked the number of parking spaces, increasing them from 178 to 195. The parking ratio per unit is now 0.8.

But Cllr Bernard Heyes (Con) said: “The proposed changes are relatively cosmetic.

“The reduction in dwellings still equates to a relatively high density, and the similarly small increase in parking is below our parking standards.

“We’ve all heard of car sharing clubs and bike hire schemes, but we all know that most people in this development will own a car. To think otherwise is facetious and naïve.”

Cllr Noel Ovenden rebutted this, saying: “Most big cities don’t have that sort of parking ratio. This is a phenomenal amount of parking.”

“The proposed changes are relatively cosmetic..." Cllr Bernard Hayes

The motion passed with 10 votes against two, namely Cllr Heyes and Cllr Gerald White.

James Bishop, acquisitions director at U+I, said: “The councillors’ decision to approve the scheme, in line with their officer’s recommendation, is great news.

“We have worked closely with officers over recent months to incorporate feedback from councillors, and we are confident that the approved scheme will unlock the potential of the site and provide an attractive place for new and existing Ashford residents to live and visit.”

As well as the flats, a loop-the-loop bridge designed by artist Alex Chinneck is to be installed over the River Stour as part of the development.

A fall-back plan for the site's Grade II-listed Whist House was also approved at the planning committee meeting last Wednesday.

Despite a more recent proposal to convert the building into a restaurant, councillors debated the potential residential use of the building.

Plans to convert the building into a four-bedroom house were approved last week.

At the meeting, Cllr Dara Farrell (Lab) questioned why it wasn't the restaurant plan being debated.

A council officer said: "This would be the applicant's fall-back decision if the councillors decide not to approve the restaurant."

An incredibly short discussion ensued, with only three councillors spoke on the item.

Cllr Graham Galpin, who tabled the motion to approve, said: "This is cracking, getting Whist House back in use.

"It's languished for too long and we need to get it back into the public eye."

Cllr Chris Waters admired the ambition of the restaurant plan, and promoted it as his preferred option.

After Cllr Brad Bradford seconded the motion to approve, a unanimous vote approved the applicant's secondary option of a town house.

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