Plans to build a community hub for residents in Ashford that have been without one for almost a decade have been approved.

Great Chart with Singleton Parish Council has applied to erect a two-storey building with a viewing platform next to Singleton Environment Centre (SEC) in Wesley School Road.

The scheme - which will provide a much-needed community space for those living nearby - has been approved by Ashford Borough Council (ABC).

It is being funded by S106 payments from Brisley Farm developers - who built homes on land close to Chartfields almost ten years ago.

There is £133,000 in the fund and if it is not used to build a community facility by 2021 - the money will be returned to the developer.

If approved by ABC's cabinet next month, bosses are aiming to have the centre up and running by the end of August.

Architects CB Planning have been commissioned to draw up plans for the new centre - which will mirror the design of the existing building on the site.

The building will be formed using five shipping containers with sliding walls inside to create different spaces.

An upper floor will be constructed and used as an observatory to overlook the ancient Colemans' Kitchen woodland and the new Discovery Park at the Chilmington Green development.

The centre will be accessible to all as a ramp and disabled toilets are set to be installed.

The building will act as a community hub and will be used for events, clubs and birthday parties.

Visitors to the neighbouring environment centre can also use the space for meetings and workshops.

The project has been brought to life by Singleton Spaces - the trust that runs the environment centre on behalf of the parish council.

Once operational, it will be accessible from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday and from 9am to 1pm on Saturdays.

On Sundays, it will be closed to the public.

Ward councillor Heather Hayward said: "I became aware of this pot of money that has been sat there for nearly ten years after the election.

"After ten years the money has to be given back to the developer and that seems absolutely criminal.

"The residents are saying that when they were sold these properties, they thought they were going to get a community centre but nothing has happened.

"It is exciting that we have been able to make progress but we can't get too excited until we get the sign off from the council."

To view the planning application, visit www.ashford.gov.uk and search 19/00877/AS.

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