Ashford Public Embrace the Future

Following substantial public consultation, a significant majority - just over three quarters - of those who submitted views, gave the scheme their backing. Zed Homes announced the findings of their consultation today, in a report to coincide with the submission of its planning application to Ashford Borough Council, seeking permission for their proposals.

The ZED Homes proposals will create an environmentally sustainable community of up to 1,000 new homes, as well as working spaces, retail and leisure facilities, all within easy reach of Ashford town centre and Ashford International station.

Energy for the site will be generated from renewable sources and, through the use of the latest technology, the development will use 65% less water than conventional developments, contributing to the desired alleviation of water shortages in the South East. It also offers attractive new pedestrian access to Victoria Park, from the town centre. Through excellent design and high quality building techniques, the completed development will significantly enhance the environment around the area

As well as consulting local people, ZED Homes have been discussing and developing their plans with the Ashford Borough Council for over two years, to ensure that the scheme enhances the emerging vision of Ashford in the future.

Zed Homes Managing Director, Michael Shwartz commented:

"We are excited by the quality and vision of our scheme and absolutely delighted with the response to our plans from local people. We have taken great care to explain the benefits of Zed to the people of Ashford and been keen to consult them on our plans. We now look forward to taking the scheme forward with the support of Ashford Borough Council."

For further information, please contact Mark Adams or James Carron on 020 7031 0840.

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

1. For further information on ZED Homes, their plans for Gasworks Lane and details of the public consultation please visit: www.zedhomes.com

2. ZED Homes held a public exhibition on Tuesday 20th September and from Thursday 22nd September to Sunday 25th September.

   The exhibition was promoted via the following means:

   • Advertisements in the local press - Adverts were placed in the Ashford Adscene, 16th September, and Ashford Extra, 20th September. These papers were selected because they were both free, delivery papers with circulations covering every home in the town

   • Letters - ZEDHomes submitted briefing letters to councillors, officials, members of Ashford's Future, campaigning groups, other stakeholders and local residents inviting them to the public exhibition

   • News coverage in the local press - ZEDHomes issued a press release to the local media on 13th September providing details of the scheme and the public exhibition. The release featured in the Ashford Extra (Kentish Express) on 20 September 2005, and the Ashford Adscene on 23 September 2005.

   Overall over 250 local residents, 3 councillors, and 14 representatives of stakeholder organisations attended. A report on the consultation has been submitted to the Council with the application. Copies of the report can be obtained by calling Mark Adams on the number above or emailing mark.adams@foresight-communications.co.uk.

3. ZED Homes have met regularly with members and planning officers from Ashford Borough Council and Ashford's Future since 2003, as well as consulting bodies such as Kent County Council, the South East England Development Agency, the Government Office for the South East, English Partnerships and the South East England Regional Assembly.