Plans to expand a thriving business park have been approved amid soaring demand.
Evegate Business Park in Smeeth, near Ashford, is already home to 70 businesses, employing about 250 people.
An artist’s impression showing how Evegate Business Park in Smeeth, near Ashford, could look. Picture: Wharfe Rural Planning Ltd
Now Ashford Borough Council (ABC) has green-lit plans for two new office and retail buildings, as well as retrospective approval for 23 additional car parking spaces.
Documents submitted on behalf of applicants, Evegate Partnership, by Wharfe Rural Planning Ltd – a planning consultancy firm – state there is a constant demand for new units at the site.
The Cheshire-based firm says the business park – off Station Road – “should be considered an important site in the rural economy of the Ashford borough”.
“The applicants believe some of their popularity with leaseholders and customers is due to ease of access, compared to Ashford, which experiences much higher levels of traffic,” it said.
“Their offering is targeted at small or start-up businesses to act as an incubator for businesses to grow before moving to larger premises on-site or within the borough.
The site of the extension at Evegate Business ParkHow part of the extension could look. Picture: Wharfe Rural Planning Ltd
“The existing and continued demand for the type of unit and environment that Evegate offers justifies the proposed additional buildings.”
Two one-storey buildings – designed to look like agricultural storage buildings – will now be constructed at the site, neighbouring the car park extension, which has already been built.
The business park – built on a converted former farm estate first constructed in the 1540s – opened in the 1990s.
It is now home to offices, independent retailers such as a florist and silversmith, as well as a paediatrician, vet clinic and beauty parlour.
Previously, The Dog House micropub at the site doubled in size after staff were forced to turn customers away at the door.
Bosses say additional units are needed at Evegate Business Park in Smeeth to cope with consistent demand from potential tenants. Picture: Wharfe Rural Planning LtdAshford Borough Council has approved expansion plans at Evegate Business Park in Smeeth, near Ashford. Picture: Wharfe Rural Planning Ltd
Bosses added 12 extra tables in 2023 and a new stage to cope with demand.
With approval of the car park extension, the number of spaces now totals 300 at the site, including 10 disabled bays and 20 cycle spots.
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Officers at ABC granted the scheme approval last month, stating in their report: “This development supports a strategic approach to economic development in sustainable locations, forming an extension to an existing successful business park.
“The proposed development is acceptable in terms of its visual impact and would not result in any detrimental impact on residential amenity.
“Overall, for the reasons set out above, the proposed development is therefore recommended for approval.”