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More on KentOnline
A block of garages is set to be transformed into four affordable homes.
The existing structure on Harper Road, Ashford, consists of 24 garages, surrounded on three sides by housing and opposite apartments at Little Knoll.
Of the 24 spaces, 14 are let and 10 are empty.
Set to be allocated to people on the housing waiting list, Ashford Borough Council aims to set affordable rent levels on these two-bedroom homes - a level of around 60-80% of market rent prices in the area.
Cllr Bill Barrett, portfolio holder for housing, said: “We are striving to alleviate the housing issues that we face and I’m delighted that we are bringing this scheme forward at Harper Road.
"We have more than 1,300 people on our waiting list for affordable housing. These are people who depend on affordable housing and need somewhere to live that is more suitable for their needs.”
This proposal is the result of a council review into all of its garage sites for suitability to be turned into homes.
Garages on the opposite side of the road were deemed inappropriate for development as the site is overlooked on all sides.
However the authority hopes to fix up the block of 29 units, making them more attractive to rent and raising the occupancy from its current level of four being let.
Shipping containers could also be installed as rentable storage units, which could be clad in materials that will blend with the surrounding street scene.
A consultation on the housing proposal, normally held in person, will be available online instead due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The online consultation runs until January 15, at which point the comments will be used to amend the scheme before the proposal is formally submitted to the council's planning committee.
Click here to view the plans in more detail, or to have your say.
