Plans for a multi-storey car park capable of holding 500 cars have been approved by a local authority.

The Station Road complex near Ashford's town centre was approved at an Ashford Borough Council Cabinet meeting last night, but will still require planning permission.

Despite the lack of a detailed design, the facility is expected to feature wider parking bays, electric vehicle charging points and an automatic number plate recognition system.

Customers will be able to register their car which will allow them to pay immediately.

The car park is scheduled to be constructed during 2020 with a planned opening at the end of the year.

Options for the site of the new multi-storey building were explored last July, with the existing surface level car park on Station Road being identified as the most viable.

The scheme is seen as vital for the town centre regeneration plan announced last month, which will see retail units, offices, housing and a performance space introduced on the former Mecca Bingo site on the High Street.

Cllr Brad Bradford, portfolio holder for Community Safety and Wellbeing, said: “Ensuring a supply of modern and safe parking is vital for all who work, visit and commute to and from the town. The proposed multi-storey car park is very much a part of our vision for the future.

"I fully support the project moving forward, recognising that there will be a separate planning approval process where it will be possible to consider any officer report and consultation responses before reaching a final view.”

A similar plan in Canterbury was met with a number of petitions lodged to oppose the plan, garnering thousands of signatures. These efforts proved fruitless however, as the construction was permitted at a Canterbury City Council meeting in January.

Cllr Graham Galpin, portfolio holder for Corporate Property and the Town Centre, said: “The proposed multi-storey car park will provide about 500 spaces and is planned to be protected with enhanced fire safety provision.

"The new car park is needed to accommodate new residents, visitors and businesses to our flourishing and growing town. It will also provide us with flexibility for the planning of any new regeneration and is a vital piece in the jigsaw of Ashford’s present and future revitalisation.”