An historic building has been saved from the bulldozers after the council refused to give permission for it to be knocked down.

The former Ashford Hospital administration block in Kings Avenue, Ashford, will remain standing after Ashford Borough Council (ABC) turned down a planning application to demolish the landmark.

The old hospital was officially opened in 1926 by the then Duke and Duchess of York.

Abbey Homes Development is currently building a controversial housing development of up to 56 homes on the site.

These plans were given the go-ahead in 2010, but were approved on the condition the main administration building would be preserved.

However, a new demolition application was submitted, but refused by planners on Monday, on the grounds that the building’s heritage adds character to the area.

The refusal notice read: “The building is a local landmark and makes a positive contribution to the historic, environmental and character of the place.

“The loss of this non-designated heritage asset would be harmful to the historic environment and character of the area.”

Opponents of its demolition have welcomed the decision.

Ashford historian and KE Remember When? columnist Steve Salter described the decision to refuse the application as “fantastic news”.

He said: “I have looked at that building thoroughly and it is just as solid as it was when it was built in the 1920s.

“It stands as a memorial to the people who went there and worked there.

“At one time it was Ashford’s only hospital with an A&E department. It was the main hospital for the town and it’s a tribute to the people who went through there.

“It played a big part in the wartime too, and it is a very handsome building.

“It is part of Ashford’s heritage and it should stay, so this is fantastic news.”

Abbey Homes will now have an opportunity to lodge an appeal against the decision and if
so, the case would be heard by an independent planning inspector.

The company declined to comment on the ABC decision to refuse the demolition application.