Innovative deal between two councils “is a win-win” for Kent village

A deal struck between Appledore Parish Council and Ashford Borough Council has resulted in a major financial benefit for villagers and a boost to the borough council’s housing stock. 

In 2019 Appledore Parish Council (APC) decided to sell a field to developer Martello. The money raised was used to rebuild the village hall and create a new car park there, renovate the recreation grounds pavilion, refurbish public toilets and renew playground equipment. Funds were also used to develop allotments and recreational facilities and create a memorial garden.

Martello has built a mix of 12 affordable, mid-range and high-end homes. Of the five affordable houses, it was agreed under a Section 106 agreement that one of these would be owned by APC, to rent to a local family on the borough council’s housing list. The affordable rent paid would contribute to the parish council’s budget.

The four remaining homes were to be provided on a Shared Ownership (part buy / part rent) basis by Kent-based Town & Country Housing.

APC intended to act as a Registered Provider of Social Housing (RP) to enable it to let the 3-bedroom detached house and collect rent. But upon completion of the house in 2025, it became apparent that the cost and feasibility of APC acting as an RP was not viable. This led the parish council to consider two options – to identify a RP who would act on its behalf or sell the house. 

Selling was not possible as the original planning application secured the home as an affordable rented property, and so a sale at market rate would contradict the goal of providing affordable social housing for someone with a connection to the community.

The solution was to sell the property to Ashford Borough Council for £333,000 (including legal and conveyancing costs). The deal adds the house to ABC’s own social housing stock and honours the agreement of providing affordable social housing locally.

APC Chairman Roger Hiskey said: “While we have had to change our original plans, this innovative solution is a win-win for all parties. The money raised from the sale will be invested to help pay for future projects for the benefit of Appledore taxpayers.

“By working closely with the borough council we have also helped create further affordable housing for the benefit of the local community. We’d also like to thank Ashford for agreeing to pay the legal cost of the conveyance and transfer.”

Ashford Borough Council Leader and Cabinet Member for Housing Cllr Noel Ovenden said: “This is a great example of two councils working together to deliver high quality social housing for the benefit of the local community. In line with our allocations policy, we will ensure that the tenant of this property will have a clear connection to the village. Local homes for local people.

“We have bold plans to deliver 1,000 new homes through a balanced mix of new builds and acquisitions – adding this property in Appledore to our housing stock at a fair price is an important step towards achieving that goal.”