A full planning application for an ambitious film and TV studio scheme has been submitted - including plans for Ashford's tallest building.

Quinn Estates wants to turn the derelict Newtown railway works site into a huge new complex featuring four studios, an 120-bedroom hotel and 303 apartments in the former engine sheds.

Bosses submitted a planning application last month and say work could start as soon as next year if the scheme is approved.

The hotel, which would go over 18 storeys, would become the town's largest building, featuring a conference centre, restaurant and 62 serviced apartments.

Entertainment giants including Netflix, Amazon and HBO could take on the studios, which bosses say will house single camera feature film or drama productions.

In the application submitted to Ashford Borough Council, planning agent Iceni Projects says the studios will offer a first-class range of facilities over 7,440 sq m of space.

"In the single camera set-up, each of the various shots and camera angles are taken using the same camera, or multiple cameras pointed in one direction, which are moved and reset to get each shot or new angle," it said.

"Single-camera is mostly reserved for prime-time dramas, made-for-TV movies, music videos and commercial advertisements.

"Examples of this include: The Crown, Downton Abbey, Stranger Things, Mission Impossible or The Avengers.

"In recent times, major streaming services like Netflix have built their business model and entire platforms by developing original content around single camera feature films and drama productions.

"The studios will provide a world-class range of facilities and services to the film and high-end TV production industries, supporting productions of all kinds."

The bold project took a step forward in July when Quinn Estates, led by chief executive Mark Quinn, signed a deal with established regeneration company The Creative District Improvement Co (TCDICo).

If built, TCDICo, which specialises in the development and operation of mixed-use schemes for the creative industries, will operate the site.

Huw Evans, managing director of Quinn Estates, says he is pleased the application has been lodged.

“Over the summer we worked closely with TCDICo to finalise our proposals and are delighted to have now formally submitted our planning application to Ashford Borough Council," he said.

“We are looking forward to working with the local authority and most importantly the local community

"Our project team have ensured that the feedback shared at the public consultation has been fully considered in our final proposals.

“Subject to planning consent being granted, we anticipate being in a position to start on site in the second quarter of 2020, beginning this exciting new phase in Ashford’s ongoing regeneration with the potential to deliver more jobs, economic investment and opportunities for the borough and the wider region.”

Quinn Estates chiefs say the commercial floorspace at the scheme is expected to provide more than 2,000 permanent jobs once fully occupied, as well as up to 915 jobs indirectly.

They say the construction phase will “attract £152 million of inward investment into the borough” and create 585 direct jobs.

Three access points are being proposed by developers, who hope to increase the height of the former locomotive and engine sheds.

Two of the three entry points are already in place - the first at the junction next to the listed clock tower and gatehouse in Newtown Road, and the second provides access off Samuel Peto Way.

A third access point is proposed off Newtown Road, not far from the clock tower.

Car parking for the hotel and film studios will be provided in a multi-storey car park near the clock tower, providing 336 spaces over five storeys.

Public consultation carried out so far has been largely positive, but a request from residents to lower the 18-storey hotel has fallen on deaf ears - instead the design has been altered to be more in-keeping with its surroundings.

Residents’ fears of increased traffic will be “assessed during the planning application process”, according to the applicant.

The public response did, however, see the number of hotel rooms reduced from 125 to 120.

The project plans to bring the historic paint shop and acetylene store back into use, and the clock house will be filled with “a number of small offices and meeting space, likely to be occupied by the operator of the site".

To view the scheme, visit www.ashford.gov.uk and search for the 19/01476/AS application. The deadline for public comments is November 24.

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