Bus operator Stagecoach has backed plans for a park and ride in Ashford after developers formally submitted their controversial proposal.

Bosses at Gladman Developments want to build 625 homes on land off East Mountain Lane in Kennington.

They hope to introduce a shuttle service into the town centre as part of the scheme, and say they will build a car park for 300 spaces close to the Old Mill pub for passengers to use.

KentOnline's sister title the Kentish Express reported last year how Gladman was in talks with Stagecoach about the plan, and the bus firm has now said it thinks the location would work as a park and ride.

Gladman bosses formally submitted an outline planning application for the 625 homes with Ashford Borough Council (ABC) last week.

In their application, the developers say: "Stagecoach feels that the site is an ideal location for a ‘mini’ park and ride that would not only serve the site in terms of providing access to good quality, convenient and frequent bus services but allow residents from neighbouring areas or existing A28 users to park their vehicles and change to access the bus services or car share.

"The operator feels that the volume of traffic and directional split of traffic is sufficient to warrant and encourage use of the park and ride facility.

"It will be a local facility for the Kennington area and the A28 corridor - it will not prejudice the delivery of any similar facilities in the Ashford area and should in fact compliment them.

"It is hoped that the park and ride will be an exemplary facility and that the provision of such facilities could be suitable for other locations around Ashford, be them as part of large scale developments or as standalone facilities."

Gladman is also hoping to build a shop, two new play areas and community centre as part of the scheme.

They want to build a new four-arm roundabout in Canterbury Road, opposite Ashford Hockey Club, as an access point to the park and ride and housing estate.

Gladman says Stagecoach will provide Kent County Council and ABC with more information about the park and ride proposal in due course.

It is not yet known what route the buses will take into town or where they will stop.

Mayor of Ashford, Winston Michael, who represents the Boughton Aluph and Eastwell ward, says he is still "fully against" the scheme, which is not part of ABC's Local Plan.

He said: "The residents need to get a petition going against it and I am pretty sure they could get everybody to sign it.

"It is a ridiculous place to put it and it is not sensible.

"The whole idea of a park and ride is that it is quick and simple, but it would not work there - buses would get stuck in the morning rush hour."

"I think someone should start a petition and present it to ABC."

To view the plans, visit www.ashford.gov.uk and search for the 18/00236/AS application.