Plans for a Waitrose supermarket on the former Templer Barracks site in Ashford have been backed by councillors.

The supermarket will be three-storeys high and include 23 flats above the shopping area and a two-storey car park with 221 spaces.

Ashford Borough Council’s planning committee approved the plans last week.

Next to the listed Repton Manor and barns, it will form part of a new High Street which will be at the heart of the former Intelligence Corps headquarters development area.

The store is considered to be a key element to the community facilities for Ashford’s largest brownfield site close to the M20.

When the whole planned development is complete, the 50 hectare Repton Park, will include 1,250 new homes and new community facilities with more shops, a school, doctor’s surgery and a community centre.