New Retail Park For Ashford

Ashford Borough Council’s Planning Committee has approved plans for a new retail park featuring homeware brand The Range.

The 35,000 square foot store will be joined by a drive-through Costa Coffee, a vets and five other retail outlets. The 4.37 hectare site is located next to John Lewis at Home on Fougeres Way (A20), near to Drover’s Roundabout.

The development will comprise of eight retail units, two of which would be stand alone. A terrace of four units will be separated from a further two larger units by an open area that would be used as a garden centre.

The council’s planning department negotiated the scheme, liaising with developer Castle City estates for high quality design that will reflect the surrounding woodlands and natural landscape through a wood and stone façade and extensive landscaping.

In a national climate where retailers are increasingly pulling out of bricks and mortar sites, Ashford is bucking the trend. Drovers Retail Park will join the Designer Outlet expansion currently under development as well as the new food and beverage units at recently opened Elwick Place, significantly growing Ashford’s retail offer.

Cllr Paul Clokie, portfolio holder for Planning said: “Ashford is a rapidly growing borough and needs an enhanced retail offer to complement our high streets.

“As housing developments are completed and residents move in, they will soon have a greater choice for those little touches that will make their house a home.”