An artist's impression of a proposed new housing development in Ashford’s town centre has been unveiled.

The images show what the planned scheme for Godinton Way will look like if planning permission is granted by Ashford Borough Council.

They have been released by developer Croudace Homes which hopes to build more than 80 new homes plus car parking spaces, access and a green area on the site.

Last week, contractors wearing white overalls were spotted carrying out soil tests. They were from Horizon Environmental, who also removed asbestos from the land in last October.

The work currently being carried out on the site is to demolish the industrial and warehouse buildings and level the ground to make way for the proposed new development.

This work did not require prior planning approval from ABC.

The former Fabric Warehouse shop, which has the Club Q snooker hall above it, and Enterprise Rent-A-Car, all in Godinton Way, do not appear to be affected by the proposal.

The plans for the former Godinton Way Industrial Estate, which is close to the railway line, were submitted to the planning committee last October but are yet to be discussed.

The application seeks approval for 83 new homes, including four one-bedroom flats and five two-bedroom flats, 16 two-bedroom houses and 33 three-bedroom houses.

The scheme also includes plans for 25 social rented homes, made up of 18 flats and seven three-bedroom houses.

A further 110 parking spaces would be added, plus 166 cycle spaces and eight spaces for motorbikes, and open space, including artwork.

Croudace says the project aims to regenerate a town centre brownfield site, create a sustainable residential quarter and provide a viable mix of dwelling types and tenures.

The developer says it will create “a town centre residential community comprising a mix of family and smaller homes, with provision of much-needed affordable housing. The scheme will also remove a blot on the town centre”.

However, many residents who live close to the area have objected to the plans, saying the homes will cause traffic chaos and obstruct views.

Vanessa Knowles, of Godinton Road, said: “I have two concerns regarding this development and they are the extra pressure on the mini roundabout on the connection of Forge Lane/Godinton Road/Elwick Road.

"It is already an issue for people living in Godinton Road and adjoining roads to get out at the bolt. At certain times of the day the traffic comes to a standstill.

“Another factor will be the parking. This will put extra pressure on the parking in Godinton Road which is already at bursting point.”

Paul Fermor, of Godinton Road, said he feared the “added congestion will also add a great deal of noise to the area and therefore will affect the current residents of the area”.

The project is due to be discussed by the planning committee later this year.