Ashford Borough Council has commenced the construction of four new homes to replace those severely damaged by the 2021 explosion at Mill View in Willesborough.
Contractor Jenner is leading the project, which includes two three-bedroom homes and two two-bedroom homes on the site where 13, 15, 17, and 19 Mill View once stood.
The explosion occurred just before 8am on Tuesday, May 4, 2021, shattering windows and waking residents. Seven people were injured, with five taken to William Harvey Hospital and two to London with life-changing injuries.
Three council-owned properties and one privately owned home were extensively damaged. A Kent Fire & Rescue Service investigation attributed the explosion to a leak from a portable gas heater. Alternative accommodation was provided for those affected.
The new homes will feature high standards of energy efficiency, including solar panels. They will also be future-proofed with straight stairs for potential stair-lift installation and square-shaped bathrooms that can be converted into wet rooms.
Construction is expected to be completed by August 2025.
Cllr Noel Ovenden, Leader of Ashford Borough Council and Portfolio Holder for Housing & Homelessness, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, emphasizing the importance of providing affordable, quality housing.
“These new homes will be built to a higher standard, with green features and future-proof designs that can adapt to changing needs,” he said.