Work on the controversial ‘Large Burton’ housing estate in Ashford is set to start soon with the first residents due to move in during 2024.

Quinn Estates was narrowly granted planning permission by just one vote in May 2020, but the developers were held up by poor water quality levels at the Stodmarsh Nature Reserve outside Canterbury.

Councils across east Kent were forced to put decisions on housing projects on hold while the best course of action to tackle the reserve’s deteriorating water quality was decided upon.

However, residents received a notice earlier this month that formal planning consent has finally been granted for the 725-home development, which is officially called Conningbrook Park and will be built off Willesborough Road.

The project – which is in Ashford Borough Council’s Local Plan – was met with more than 1,000 objections before it was given the green light.

The approved application only grants full permission for 288 homes, with outline permission for the other 437.

It also includes a new site for Ashford Bowls Club, a footbridge over the railway line, a community centre, and a two-form entry primary school, to be called Conningbrook CofE Primary.

Although Quinn Estates was unable to confirm when work will start, it says housebuilder Redrow is ready to go onto the site.

Quinn Estates planning director Ben Geering said: “We have been working on this project for five years and now look forward to bringing forward this important strategic allocation in the council’s Local Plan.

“We anticipate the first residents will be able to move in during 2024.

“We have worked proactively with Kent County Council to help ensure the school comes forward as soon as possible within phase one.”

Mr Geering says the firm has been working on an “extremely complex” off-site wetland which has been “a difficult issue to deal with”.

It comes after Quinn Estates was required to demonstrate “nutrient neutrality” within the River Stour to ensure no adverse impact to the designated sites at Stodmarsh.

Plans for the development – which will be built opposite the existing Little Burton estate – first surfaced in 2016 and feature two access points off Willesborough Road.

Bosses say the scheme will include 30% affordable housing, with a new pedestrian and cycle bridge over the railway line also included.

Reacting to the formal planning consent, Kennington ward member Cllr Nathan Iliffe (Con) – who also sits on ABC’s cabinet – says he knows many residents are disappointed by the news.

“I recognise their disappointment and spoke in objection to this application at the planning committee myself and supported residents in their campaign against the development,” he said.

“Now that a decision has been made it is important to ensure that the development and the works surrounding it are undertaken in such a way to mitigate any negative impact.

“The development must be introduced in such a way that it fits in with the existing community and in time adds to the area in a positive manner.

“Thirty years ago the Little Burton estate was a farm, orchards and fields – it is now an integral part of the Kennington community, hopefully the same can be achieved with this development.”

Cllr Winston Michael (Ind) – who represents the Goat Lees ward – says he still has a lot of questions over the wetland and preservation of nature.

“I’ve not seen anything in relation to what the mitigation strategy for Conningbrook is, and I would like to see plans that ensure the view to the Downs is preserved,” he said.

“I am concerned that details like that are left to ‘reserve matters’ – meaning they’re shelved until later on in the process.”