Drone photos show the scale of a huge new development as construction is set to start next month.

Housebuilder Redrow has had diggers carrying out archeological works on land set aside for the 725-home ‘Large Burton’ estate in Ashford, officially known as Conningbrook Park, since February.

Now the aerial images show construction of phase one of the development along Willesborough Road – which includes 288 homes, a two-form entry primary school and a new home for Ashford Town Bowls Club – is imminent.

Detailed plans for the remaining 437 homes are yet to be revealed, but outline consent has been secured by Quinn Estates.

Glenn Holliday, head of technical for Redrow, said: "The current activity at Conningbrook Park remains centred around the archaeology works required as part of planning conditions.

“However, the next stage is in sight, and we anticipate this will commence in early June.

“Conningbrook Park is a fantastic example of the type of community Redrow seeks to deliver - alongside 288 much-needed homes for the region, phase one will deliver a new home for Ashford Bowls Club, three hectares of new wetlands, a community centre, and a two-form entry primary school.

“We are excited to continue the project, as well as building on our presence and relationships with the local community.”

An application for the footbridge that would connect the development to Conningbrook Lakes across the railway line is yet to be approved.

The project – which is in Ashford Borough Council’s Local Plan – was met with more than 1,000 objections before it was given the green light by the authority.

Quinn Estates was narrowly granted planning permission by just one vote three years ago, but the developers were held up by poor water quality levels at the Stodmarsh Nature Reserve outside Canterbury.

It meant they had to demonstrate “nutrient neutrality” within the River Stour to ensure no adverse impact to the designated sites at Stodmarsh.

Some residents on the neighbouring Little Burton estate have raised concerns over extra traffic and the loss of green spaces.

Winston Michael, Ashford Independent ward councillor for neighbouring Goat Lees, says developers need to do all they can to work with residents and minimise disruption.

“Sadly that was good agricultural land, but the decision has been made and they are entitled to proceed,” he said.

“The most important thing for me is that when they do the development, it is sympathetic to the Wye Crown and maintains the views.

“I’m not sure what has been done at Conningbrook Park to mitigate the Stodmarsh issues.

“On June 8 and 9, I have an event at the Julie Rose Stadium which directors of Redrow are going to attend. I’m going to be asking them the question if I can.

“It is important that information is in the public domain.

“We know the development is a done deal, but we have now got to work together with the developers and the community to make it the best possible development it can be, and to mitigate any concerns people have including the Stodmarsh and traffic issues.”

Redrow previously said the first homes could be occupied as soon as spring 2024.

Ashford Town Bowls Club is set to move from its current home in Vicarage Lane to the new building on the Conningbrook Park estate.

John Sadler, new site liaison officer at the club, anticipates the move will be within the “next two years”.

He said: “The club is extremely happy. We have been waiting for a long time for a new clubhouse.

“The kitchen in the current one is not good, the green is not square.

“With a new clubhouse, we can do more things.

“It will enable us to invite more clubs to play and local schools to come and have a go.”

It is not yet clear what will happen to the club’s current site near the town centre.