Ashford Borough Council delivers 20 new low carbon affordable homes at Mabledon Avenue

Ashford Borough Council is progressing work on a major housing regeneration scheme at Mabledon Avenue, transforming a former industrial site into 20 high‑quality, energy‑efficient affordable homes for local people.

The site, previously occupied by contaminated and obsolete industrial buildings, has undergone full demolition and remediation led by the Council. Construction is now under way to deliver a modern, sustainable residential development that will enhance the surrounding neighbourhood.

The new homes at Mabledon Avenue exceed standard building and affordable housing requirements, helping support the Council’s wider commitment to reducing carbon emissions and improving energy efficiency across the borough.

Each home will incorporate a range of sustainability and energy-efficient features, including: 

• Ground Source Heat Pumps providing low‑carbon heating and underfloor heating
• Solar PV panels on every property
• EV charging points for all dwellings
• EPC A-rated homes – among the most sustainable, low‑carbon and lowest‑cost to run in the country.
• High thermal performance, including 200mm cavity walls
• Composite Rationel windows offering improved thermal and acoustic comfort
• Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) to reduce heat loss and enhance air quality. 

These features will help minimise residents’ energy bills, support long‑term carbon savings and contribute to improved health and wellbeing.

The scheme includes extensive ecological enhancements such as:

• Native and pollinator‑friendly planting
• Biodiversity net gains through ecological site design
• Sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) and permeable paving
• Wildlife features including bird and bat boxes and hedgehog highways 

This approach ensures the development improves the ecological value of the site while providing high‑quality green infrastructure for future residents.

Designed in‑house by Ashford Borough Council’s Architectural team, the homes feature architectural detailing that goes beyond standard delivery. This includes distinctive brickwork, varied rooflines, secure cycle storage, and active travel routes. All parking will be provided on‑plot, reducing pressure on nearby streets, and all homes will be ready for full‑fibre broadband.

The scheme marks a turning point for the former industrial location, which required extensive remediation due to historic contamination. The Council has delivered a full site transformation, replacing outdated buildings with modern, energy‑efficient homes and an improved public realm.

The project represents an £8million investment, funded through a combination of council capital and Homes England grant funding. The proposals strongly align with Homes England’s priorities around sustainability, placemaking and delivering net zero‑aligned affordable housing.

Construction is being undertaken by WW Martin, a Kent‑based contractor with a strong track record in delivering high‑quality projects.

Project milestones

• Start on site: 24 November 2025
• Target completion: Summer 2027

Once completed, homes will be allocated through Kent Homechoice, ensuring they are made available to residents in accordance with local housing need.

Cllr Noel Ovenden, Leader of Ashford Borough Council, said:

“This project is another important step in our commitment to delivering high-quality, genuinely affordable homes for local people. The transformation of the Mabledon Avenue site shows what is possible when we take underused and contaminated land and turn it into a sustainable neighbourhood that will benefit residents for generations. These new homes set a strong example for low-carbon design, energy efficiency, and thoughtful place-making in Ashford, and it is great to see the council leading the way with developments that are environmentally responsible and truly shaped around the needs of our community.”

Ben Green, Director at WW Martin, said:

“We are delighted to be working with Ashford Borough Council on the delivery of these 20 new homes at Mabledon Avenue. It is great to now be on site and progressing construction on a development that will provide sustainable, high-quality homes for local residents.”