The decision to give the go-ahead for a massive eco-scheme has been condemned by Ashford council.

ZED Homes won consent on appeal for the derelict former Powergen site in Ashford.

The company says the scheme will create more than 1,000 new homes, and 90,000 square feet of working spaces, retail and leisure facilities.

It will include combined heat and power plants, ecological sewage treatment plants, wind turbines and biomass boilers.

But Cllr John Kemp, Ashford council portfolio holder for planning and development,

said allowing the appeal was disappointing and contrary to the views of both the district and county councils and many local residents.

He said: “The decision bears little relation to the extensive work on town centre masterplanning carried out by the council in recent years.

“The application suggests a height and scale of development that is not needed or wanted in Ashford and which is totally at odds with the council’s aspirations.”

For full story and reaction, see this week’s Kentish Express