Plans to build 660 homes on a former Powergen site have been approved.

Regeneration giant U+I and Canterbury-based developer Quinn Estates have gained permission for their proposals to revamp the site in Victoria Way, Ashford.

The scheme will feature one, two, and three-bedroom flats and 25 houses, alongside new public realm and a cafe, designed by award-winning Hythe-based architect Guy Hollaway.

These include 400 apartments which will be available to rent, which will be owned by private-rented-sector operator Neighbour.

The brownfield land has been derelict for many years and was last occupied by Powergen in the 1990s.

Developers hope to attract people keen to use the nearby high-speed line to London St Pancras from Ashford International Station.

The plans are the first of two schemes U+I hope to build in Victoria Way, after it exchanged contracts with the Homes and Communities Agency for another six acres earlier this year.

It aims to build another 200 homes, a 120-bed hotel, an Aldi supermarket and a new brewery and visitor centre for Tenterden-based wine and beer maker Chapel Down, creating about 165 jobs.

Richard Upton, deputy chief executive of U+I, which was formed after property giant Development Securities bought developer Cathedral Group in 2014, said: “It is great news that planning permission for the first of two sites at Victoria Way has been granted.

“Ashford’s thriving local economy, excellent transport links and the council’s ambitious regeneration plans reinforce its position as an important town within the London City Region and we’re excited to be working here.”

Cllr Gerry Clarkson, leader of Ashford Borough Council, said: “We welcome the planning consent on this key town centre project, which has excited residents.

“Ashford continues to be a real draw for the very best commercial enterprises and remains the obvious choice for expanding, thriving and established businesses.”

Mark Quinn, managing director of Quinn Estates, said: “Ashford is a dynamic and growing town and this scheme will give the community a real economic boost.

“The site itself has long been derelict and ticks all the boxes in terms of building in brownfield land.”