Ambitious plans to open a park and ride on the outskirts of Ashford have been revealed.

Developers behind a controversial proposal for 625 homes in Kennington want to introduce the shuttle service off the A28.

They plan to build a car park for 300 spaces next to the Old Mill pub, where buses will take shoppers and commuters into the town centre.

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It is not yet known what route the buses will take into town or where they will stop, but critics have already slammed the proposal.

Mayor of Ashford, Winston Michael, who represents the Boughton Aluph and Eastwell ward, says Kennington could not cope with the development.

“Residents have been in touch with me and are totally opposed to it – the park and ride is a joke,” he said.

“That part of the A28 is under stress already and there is no room to put in an extra lane for the buses to use.

“I think it is a wholly unsuitable area for a park and ride.

“The most suitable place would be by junction 10 as there is a dual carriageway there and it is easy access to the designer outlet.”

Bosses at Gladman Developments, which is behind the plan, want to build a new four-arm roundabout in Canterbury Road, opposite Ashford Hockey Club, as an access point to the park and ride and housing estate.

Cllr Michael added: “A new roundabout would not work and it beggars belief that anyone would even consider a park and ride there.

“It is also grade one agricultural land and houses should not be built on it.

“We already have thousands of homes coming in Chilmington in the south of Ashford and, if we are not careful, Kennington could become the Chilmington Green of the north of the town.”

Project manager Peter Isherwood says Gladman is now developing the park and ride proposal with bus operator Stagecoach.

A planning application has not yet been submitted, but developers have started a public consultation asking for views from residents.

They also hope to build a shop, play area, community centre and GP surgery on the land.

Mr Isherwood said: “The plans are going through consultation and we are in discussions with Stagecoach at the moment.

“It is proposed it will be available for people coming outside of Ashford to use, like the park and ride in Canterbury.

“We are looking to improve the situation for local residents and reduce some of the traffic congestion.”

Stagecoach spokesman Matt Maytum confirmed the firm is in contact with Gladman.

For more information, visit www.your-views.co.uk/kennington/