New bicycle factory coming to Ashford

Plans by bike manufacturer Brompton to open a new factory which promises to deliver 2,500 jobs have been approved.

The manufacturer first unveiled the proposal in early 2022 and set out its desire to invest £100m in developing an area of wetlands in Ashford.

A planning application to build the new facility was approved by Ashford Borough Council's planning committee on Wednesday night, in line with the recommendation of planning officer Steve Musk.

Brompton's managing director, Will Butler-Adams, told the committee that the company wants to bring "a bit more cycling health and happiness into our cities".

Mr Musk told members that his was "a finely balanced recommendation" in which the proposed benefits ultimately outweigh any harm it would cause.

The loss of 2.4 hectare of local wildlife site and impact on the Ashford Green Corridor - within which the main body of the site sits - were cited as issues.

Councillors, though supportive of the application, also raised concerns over the number of car parking spaces proposed.

Leader of the Labour Group, Brendan Chilton, said: "Thirty car parking spaces in a factory of this size is a joke."

As it stands the proposal doesn't include any car parking beyond the above allocation, and staff will be expected to commute using sustainable modes of transport.

Mr Butler-Adams told the committee that, after moving factories five times in 50 years of existence, the manufacturer is keen to find its "real home" for years to come.

After looking at other areas, including Manchester and Birmingham, he said Ashford "stood shoulders above the rest" as a proposed site.

Committee members ultimately voted ten-two in favour of the application.

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