Plan lodged for 200 homes in Kent shopping centre

Part of Ashford's County Square shopping centre has been flagged for development

A "failing" extension to a town centre shopping centre in Kent could be redeveloped and turned into 200 homes.

County Square in Ashford could see a number of its shops, including the former Debenhams unit and still-open New Look, become flats.

The owners suggested the shopping centre and surrounding land to Ashford Borough Council after it said it was seeking suitable sites for inclusion as part of a review of the Local Plan.

Q+A Planning, which has submitted a development application, said: "The site is an existing shopping centre and the phase being promoted for redevelopment is a failing element."

A proposal for part of the County Square Shopping Centre includes 200 homes

Last year Ashford Borough Council invited landowners, developers, businesses, community groups and residents in the borough to suggest sites they own for inclusion in the borough's Local Plan.

The plan will primarily set the strategic vision and planned growth for housing and jobs within the area to 2041.

Around 300 sites were submitted for different potential uses, ranging from housing and employment to biodiversity, wetlands and energy generation.

The council has said each site will be assessed for its suitability, availability and deliverability.

Q&A is handling submission of the shopping centre's 26,909 sq ft (2,500 sqm) extension, which was completed in 2008.

It is proposing a mixed-use redevelopment with some retail provision and residential properties on the upper floors.

A spokesman for Ashford Borough Council said: "Being put forward for consideration does not mean a site will be allocated in the Local Plan."

An extension to a town centre shopping centre in Kent could be redeveloped and turned into 200 homes.

County Square in Ashford could see a number of its shops, including the former Debenhams unit and still-open New Look, become flats.

The owners suggested the shopping centre and surrounding land to Ashford Borough Council after it said it was seeking suitable sites for inclusion in a review of the Local Plan.

Q+A Planning, which has submitted a development application, said: "The site is an existing shopping centre and the phase being promoted for redevelopment is a failing element."