Ambitious plans for a multimillion-pound bike factory have been delayed again amid concerns over the impact it could have on the road network.

Bosses at Brompton Bicycle want to build a huge HQ and factory on stilts on land close to Ashford Designer Outlet.

But National Highways says it needs more information before it can comment on the scheme – and has advised Ashford Borough Council (ABC) to delay making a decision by at least three months so Brompton can supply extra details.

This is the fourth time the roads authority has asked for more information from the company, which is working with Quinn Estates on the project.

Now, 14 months on since the plans were submitted to ABC, we take a look at the proposed scheme, why it has been delayed, and what it could mean for the town...

What is the project?

Brompton has earmarked land along the Avenue Jacques Faucheux dual carriageway, close to Asda, to build its new home after announcing a move out of London.

It will be the company's HQ and have a factory which could produce 200,000 bikes a year.

Artist's impressions show there will be wide paths for cyclists and pedestrians to go straight into the facility, which will also have a visitor centre, museum and cafe.

The land is currently unused and is part of a 100-acre floodplain, but Brompton says this is not an issue as the factory will be built on stilts, provide an opportunity to restore the wetland and has been designed to work in harmony with the landscape and support biodiversity.

ABC has long held plans to transform 60 acres of the field into a rewilded public nature reserve with a community cycle path and a network of trails.

It hopes these proposals - in partnership with developers Quinn Estates and architects Hollaway - will coincide with this.

Why has it been delayed?

Plans for the project were first submitted to ABC in December 2022 but are yet to be approved.

This is the fourth time National Highways has advised ABC to delay making a decision on the scheme, and the traffic body has sent a list of concerns it wants Brompton to address before it can support or object to it.

In documents published last month, National Highways says it has not heard from Brompton since July and “recommended that the application should not be granted permission until June 10”, unless in the meantime all concerns and requirements raised are fully resolved.

In its latest document, Christine Allen, regional director at National Highways, said: “We will be concerned with proposals that have the potential to impact on the safe and efficient operation of the strategic road network, in this case, particularly within the vicinity of the M20 and A2070 near Ashford.

“In carrying out our assessment, we are mindful of the highly innovative and sustainability seeking nature of the proposed development and the responses to date by KCC Highways on matters such as on-site and off-site parking.”

Among other things, it has asked for a more detailed traffic assessment to be carried out.

The proposed factory could create up to 4,000 jobs but is due to be a car-free scheme – meaning it will not feature any parking spaces.

The idea is that staff and visitors will be encouraged to walk or cycle, but transport assessments carried out by Kent Highways say options for those with no choice but to drive should be considered.

In response to this, last year, Brompton said it was in discussions with HS1 Ltd – the owner of the multi-storey facility previously used by Eurostar passengers – and Ashford Designer Outlet to see if the company can share their car parks.

Staff would be allowed to park in the Outlet’s south car park directly next door, but on busy shopping days, they could instead be encouraged to park a mile away at the large NCP-run multi-storey at Ashford International station, and walk or cycle the rest of the way.

While National Highways has acknowledged these contingency plans are in place, it says that “this matter will have a bearing on trip generation since if employees can drive and can park, many may do so”.

What is Brompton Bicycles?

Brompton is one of the UK’s largest cycle companies.

The first-ever Brompton bike was made in 1975 by the inventor Andrew Ritchie.

They are now sold in 47 countries around the world and known for being able to fold up to a third of its size and being lightweight enough to take on public transport.

The company chose Ashford to move to because of its easy access to London and Paris, which Will Butler-Adams OBE, chief executive at Brompton, says is important as cities are beginning to move away from cars and adopt walking and cycling strategies.

One of the first Brompton Bike Hire docks was installed at Ashford International Station in 2013 which will be expanded as part of the plans.

Ashford has a long history when it comes to cycling and many will remember when Norman Cycles has a factory in the town.

Charles and Fred Norman started their frame making, enamelling and metal plating business - Kent Plating and Enamelling Co - in a garden shed just off Jemmett Road at the end of the First World War.

How much is it going to cost?

Brompton wants to invest £100m in the scheme and has also pledged to work with Kent universities, colleges and schools to develop a skilled workforce locally for generations to come.

At first, the company expects to employ more than 1,500 staff but once fully operational, this is expected to rise to 4,000.

When will construction start?

With the project yet to be approved, it is not clear when construction on the project will start.

However, Brompton previously said it hopes to open the factory by 2027 with the aim of producing more than 200,000 bikes per year, doubling its current rate.

The company's current factory in Greenford, West London, will continue to operate until at least 2030.

The factory would be built in three phases over eight years.

The first would include a 190,000 sq ft e-bike factory which is a new venture for Brompton.

Phase two is the relocation of the traditional bike manufacturing and their operations in London, and phase three would see the arrival of the education and research development hub.

Brompton declined to comment on National Highways’ response when approached by KentOnline.