Hundreds of new jobs secured for Ashford

Hundreds of new jobs are heading for Ashford after the local council backed proposals for a multi-million pound investment in a logistics and distribution centre.

GSE Group’s detailed planning application for a £34m distribution centre immediately off the A2070 at Waterbrook Park has been approved by Ashford Borough Council’s Planning Committee.

Darrell Healey, Chairman of GSE Group, said: “This is an important decision for Ashford as it will create much-needed jobs at a time of economic uncertainty which has seen local unemployment rise significantly during the current Covid-19 pandemic.

“Waterbrook Park, close to junctions 10 and 10a and earmarked as a major site for jobs in Ashford, offers the perfect location for distribution businesses. Work can now get started on the building and ensure Ashford is best placed for when the economy starts to pick up.” 

The 7.5-hectare site already had outline planning permission as well as excellent transport links, with the occupier now able to bring forward its plans to create hundreds of jobs in a variety of warehousing, distribution, logistics, office and maintenance roles. 

Having listened to the views of local residents and councillors, GSE Group made a number of design changes to enhance the landscaping and visual impact of the building. By turning the proposed building by 180 degrees,HGV traffic will enter the site via Clover Road, and not Arrowhead Lane as originally proposed.

Additional window with a solar shading system has been incorporated into the exterior design of the building,and significantly more space has been provided for landscaping along Waterbrook Avenue and the northern elevation adjacent to the A2070.

GSE Group is a family-run business based at Willesborough that employs 400 people and has a more than 30-year track record of delivering major civil engineering projects and high-quality developments across Kent.