1,000 home eco-village approved for Kent

A 1,000 home eco-village has been approved for Ashford in Kent after almost three years of wrangling.

Zed Homes hopes to begin construction of the green housing scheme in 2010 after Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government Hazel Blears approved its outline planning application.

It plans to build 1,000 homes to level five and six of the Code for Sustainable Homes, and offices, retail and leisure facilities on a brownfield site close to the town centre.

The decision comes following an inquiry into the project, sparked when Zed Homes appealed against Ashford Borough Council’s failure to decide on the scheme.

It aims to deliver near zero carbon emissions and will feature 200 affordable homes and 50 units for the elderly.

Zed Homes managing director Michael Shwartz said it was the largest scheme of its kind in the UK to be given approval.

He said: “I believe this demonstrates strong support for eco-built homes from the government, which I applaud.”