New website for country park project

Local people are being invited to have their say on exciting plans for a new country park at Ashford in Kent with the launch this week of a website for the Conningbrook Lakes project.

The recent decision to press ahead with planning for the project marks a determined effort to breathe life into Ashford Borough Council’s vision of a leisure, water and nature park based on the picturesque landscape of the Brett Group’s restored gravel lakes at Conningbrook. The plans also involve a lakeside village community which will provide the funding for the various country park facilities.

Ashford Borough Council and Brett have already begun a consultation programme to test local opinion and seek advice on leisure facilities and on enhancing the environmental and wildlife conservation value of the site.

More than 20 local organisations have been represented at recent workshops. Brett, as the major landowner and partner in the project, is now putting together a planning application that it expects to submit around the end of the year. A public exhibition will be held prior to the application.

As the owner of some 80 per cent of the site, Brett has been in discussion with the council since the park was first conceived in 2000. The website www.conningbrooklakes.info is an important step by the company in making emerging information available to the wider community and inviting questions and comments prior to its planning application. The website will evolve in stages as more information becomes available.

Leader of Ashford Borough Council Cllr Peter Wood said: “This is one of the most exciting projects planned for Ashford. We invite residents to take an in depth look at the plans so far on the new website, and to share their views.

“It is essential that the people of Ashford are involved throughout the planning process, so we can ensure we deliver a first-class country park that meets the needs of our residents and attracts visitors from across the South East – a park where people want to spend the day having fun with their children and grandchildren.”

Brett Group director of planning Mike Courts stresses the importance of the community input into the project. “Conningbrook Lakes is being conceived for the benefit of local people - their input and enthusiasm is essential,” he says.

He added: “The lakeside village community is the medium through which the park will be funded. With the park on its immediate doorstep, we believe it can become one of the most desirable and high quality locations to live in the area.”

The website sets out plans that include:

• A country park that appeals across the generations – from young families who want to enjoy the health benefits of water-based recreation to those who prefer a leisurely stroll or meal in a stunning environment
• A place to walk, jog and cycle with footpath & cycleway links into the centre of Ashford and through to the Kent Downs.
• Opportunities to sail, canoe, kayak and swim safely in open waters plus extensive facilities for fishing.
• Protection and enhancement of Conningbrook’s environment and ecology as well improving the range and diversity of wildlife habitats.
• A lakeside village of 300 homes in a beautiful setting.
  
  

The website includes a feedback facility that enables people to identify the facilities that they want to see included and to comment.