Councillors have given the go ahead for developers to build scores of new houses on the site of a former college.

Chartway Group and Orbit Homes submitted the plans to build 160 houses and flats in a mixed development at Jemmett Road in South Ashford.

The site has been home to a further education college run by the Hadlow Group, which is set to move into its new town centre location as part of a £30 million deal following the sale of the land.

At a meeting of Ashford Borough Council’s planning committee last night (Wednesday, May 18) the proposals for the new homes were approved, despite concerns raised by residents and campaigners.

Developers say the “high quality” scheme will deliver 50 homes for shared ownership, 25 homes for rent, and 55 homes for outright sale by the Orbit housing group, while Chartway will build a further 30 homes for outright sale.

They say building work is set to start this summer with a phased demolition of the college buildings.

For a full report see next week’s Kentish Express on Thursday, May 25.