Residents of a huge housing estate built more than a decade ago have been left disappointed again after plans for its first convenience store were refused.
Baby Sivarajah had wanted to convert part of a redundant office building into a 218sqm store in Finberry, Ashford.
Where the new convenience store on Finberry would have been if the plans weren’t rejected
But plans submitted to Ashford Borough Council (ABC) in October have now been rejected, meaning neighbours will have to continue to drive or walk a mile to Bridgefield or the new Aldi at Waterbrook Park to buy basic amenities.
Mr Sivarajah had hoped to open Finberry Village Community Store directly opposite Finberry Primary School in Avocet Way.
Selling food and household items, the store would have been the first of its kind on the development on the edge of Ashford and based on the ground floor of the three-storey property.
However, planning officers at ABC have rejected the proposal, which was also previously withdrawn by Mr Sivarajah in August.
When explaining their reasons for refusal, they said the shop would have resulted in the loss of the whole building for commercial use.
“We would have expected to see evidence the property has been marketed for all relevant use types before concluding it is not viable for employment use,” the officer noted.
The new-build Finberry estate does not have any convenience stores or community facilities, much to the chagrin of residents
“The information provided confirms that marketing has been carried out since June 2023, but the details are lacking in terms of the marketing method, pricing, and whether it was targeted at a full range of employment uses.”
Documents submitted with the plans said the shop would “serve the community by providing a much-needed retail outlet”.
It would have been open seven days a week, employing three members of staff.
Information put forward in the application’s planning documents to ABC said: “The proposed convenience store will bring significant benefits to the Finberry community by providing an accessible, well-located retail outlet for daily essentials.
“[It] will play a vital role in supporting the daily needs of the community, reducing travel distances for essential shopping.”
Residents first moved onto Ashford’s Finberry estate – built off the A2070 Bad Munstereifel Road – in 2015, but after 10 years, they are still missing out on a convenience store and community hall.
The Avocet Way ‘ghost road’ connecting Finberry and Bridgefield. It is not known when it will open to vehicles
Last month, neighbours told KentOnline they are fed up with having to drive just to get a loaf of bread and that the new-build estate is crying out for facilities.
Recently, a new Aldi opened at Waterbrook Park, less than a mile away.
However, Brambling Avenue resident and mother of three, Amy Boxall, 31, has told KentOnline it is not easy to access.
It comes as no buses continue to serve the estate – with the nearest, the Stagecoach 502 route, also a mile away by foot at Bridgefield.
“You get your hopes up and you just get let down again when it comes to a shop here,” Ms Boxall said.
“The walk to Aldi is always flooded and it’s really hard to get a buggy through there.
How Finberry Village Community Store would look in Avocet Way. Picture: Shakthi Consulting UK LtdResident Amy Boxall says more facilities are needed on the Finberry estate
“We’ve been here more than 10 years and spend so much money on Uber and Deliveroo – probably three to five times a week – as I don’t drive and there’s just nowhere to walk to for food.”
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A separate proposal for four retail units, a pub, and 63 more homes on Finberry has also been submitted to ABC, and has outline planning approval.
To be known as Finberry Village Centre, it is planned for land at the entrance to the estate on the vacant plot off Bullfinch Avenue.
The Church Commissioners for England, which owns the land surrounding Finberry, says a preferred bidder has begun further planning discussions with ABC regarding a full planning application.
Meanwhile, a project known as Finberry Community Centre also remains in the pipeline.
The scheme is being carried out by ABC and Finberry developer Crest Nicholson and is planned to include flexible spaces, meeting rooms and a 3G indoor court on a plot directly opposite the estate’s primary school.
The SPAR store on the neighbouring Bridgefield estate is the nearest shop by foot for Finberry residentsThe new-build Finberry estate does not currently have any convenience stores or community facilities
Although ABC told KentOnline it is currently unable to provide further information on the centre, Finberry ward councillor Paul Bartlett (Con) says it is not expected to open for another few years.
He said: “It’s disappointing the application [for the shop] has been rejected.
“It is something which is needed, but at least things are progressing with the community centre.
“It’s in the budget, but a planning application needs to be submitted first.
“Delivery is expected by 2027-28, so it’s on the cards and we’re very excited about it.
Cllr Paul Bartlett agrees that Finberry needs a convenience store and community facilities
“It will most likely be another version of Repton Connect with a standard village hall used for yoga and things like that.
“Residents need a community centre and local shop here.”