New proposals for an environmentally sustainable mixed use development in Ashford

The Company

ZEDHomes is committed to building homes and workplaces that are better by design; that recognize the changes in how we live and work; that are environmentally sustainable and energy saving. ZEDHomes builds communities that live and work together; that create a positive impact on their environment; that instigates greater social responsibility and set a new standard in development.

The site

On 31st August 2006, we submitted an updated report in association with revisions to the planning application originally submitted in October 2005 The application scheme has been revised in response to consultee responses and updated documentation has been produced in association. We believe the updated scheme meets with the key points that emerged during the consultation process ensuring that the scheme will command widespread support.

Discussions have been held with Planning Officers at Ashford Borough Council, Ashford's future, SEEDA, GOSE, English Partnerships and Kent County Council. There has also been a public consultation in the form of Exhibitions and a Design Workshop, plus presentations to the South East Regional Design Panel.

Ashford ZED comprises two parcels of land within Central Ashford . The site totals 4.17ha in size and is situated between Victoria Road and Leacon Road with Gasworks lane running between the two parcels of land. This site is bound by the railway lines to the North and the Great Stour River to the South. Victoria Park is located South of the Great Stour River with an existing bridge access onto our development.

The scheme represents a Low and Zero carbon emissions development design and the mixed-use development of a brownfield site in a highly sustainable location and is entirely in accordance with current Government objectives in respect of sustainable development and the reuse of previously development land.

The development comprises

1002 no, residential units, including sheltered and affordable units
8,220m² of mixed use community and commercial units, including offices ( class B1), leisure (class D2), shop units (classes A1, A2, A3, A4, A5 including a convenience goods store of 3,716m²)
Community facilities including and Environmental Learning Institute, Creche and medical / health services (class D1)
Space for a public car park with approximately 500 spaces
Approximately 700 car parking spaces for residential units
Access, footpaths and cycle paths
Landscaping and open space

This development is designed to be compliant with the Low and Zero Carbon Development principle and focuses on the delivery of zero carbon emissions alongside the minimization of energy use and water saving - all of which have the ability to contribute towards more sustainable and affordable living. This is achieved by provisions of

A combined heat and power plant (CHP)
Ecological water treatment plants
Sedum / bespoke green roof
Super insulation
Water saving sanitary equipment
Natural ventilation and heating /cooling
Photovoltaic panels
Wind Turbines
Car pool system
Electric car charging pools.

The Buildings

All buildings have been specifically designed above the flood plain with a majority of the existing ground level being occupied by a single/double height car park.

The development aims to meet the criteria of Secured by Design standards.

The proposed buildings range from 4-6 to 13 storeys in height; the lower buildings located alongside the river and the taller structures taking advantage of the site's close proximity and relationship with the town centre. Some of the buildings within the Updated application are lower than those in the original submission. These changes have been made in response to feedback on the original proposal.

Ashford ZED proposed to achieve an exemplar environmental performance by delivering a standard that exceeds the Eco Homes "Excellent" best practice and responds to the high aspirations set by Ashford's Local Development Framework "core strategy preferred options" In addition the Ashford LDF identifies the need to pilot a carbon neutral development in partnership with the private sector. Ashford ZED seeks to become this exemplar.

The following have been set as Ashford ZED's Primary Environmental Targets

Carbon neutral buildings
65% portable water reduction
Exceed Eco Homes "Excellent"

In addition, the feasibility of various other targets whose delivery is dependant on third party partnerships will be considered. These include:

45% domestic waste reduction
Materials: 20% recycled/ 75% FSC timber/50% " A" rated

The water supply strategy for Ashford ZED involves reducing the need for portable water by about a third, and then, reducing another third by using recycled water for selected non-portable water demands. All waste water will be treated on site using an ecological water treatment system, resulting in zero foul discharge.

On site foul water treatment and recycling is proposed and a Sustainable Drainage System (SUDS).

The full planning application is available on our website www.zedhomes.com

For more information, please contact Ameeta Sharma on 0845 1228656 or email ameeta.sharma@zedhomes.com