Photo caption: From L-R, ABC Leader Cllr Noel Ovenden and ward members Kate Leavey and Lyn Suddards are joined by Jenner Director Dean Elvidge for a groundbreaking ceremony at the Oakleigh House site.
The future of independent living has officially arrived in South Ashford! Ground has been broken on an ambitious £18m flagship development at the site of the former Oakleigh House, marking a powerful start to Ashford Borough Council’s (ABC) monumental commitment to deliver 1,000 new homes over the next five to seven years.
This isn’t just a building project; it’s a social revolution! In partnership with Folkestone-based construction giants Jenner, ABC is sweeping aside the mistakes of the past to build housing that is truly fit for purpose, championing independence for the community’s older residents and adults with learning disabilities.
The dilapidated Oakleigh House—a dark, confusing maze of narrow corridors and different levels dating back to the 1970s—was finally demolished in 2023. Now, that prime land is being transformed into a magnificent, expanded development, delivering 59 high-quality, purpose-built homes that will be a massive asset to the area. Even the adjacent, now-empty ‘star block’ site is being incorporated to maximise space!
The new Oakleigh House scheme takes its inspiration from the hugely successful independent living model of Dahlia developments like Farrow Court and Danemore, but takes it to the next level:
- The Main Hub (54 Flats): This flagship independent living scheme for older residents is built to rigorous HAPPI standards, explicitly designed to crush isolation and foster a vibrant, self-supporting community. Residents will enjoy stunning facilities including:
- A grand communal lounge.
- A covered terrace with beautiful courtyard views.
- An on-site hair salon (pampering at your doorstep!).
- Dedicated mobility scooter parking.
- Specialist Support (5 Apartments): Crucially, the scheme also includes five modern, high-spec apartments dedicated to housing adults with learning disabilities, ensuring quality support and inclusion within the wider complex.
The entire development will be centred around two magnificent open courtyards, with main access points strategically placed near the junction of Watercress Lane, Cross Stile, and on Beaver Lane, making it a true neighbourhood hub. This £18m investment is more than concrete and bricks—it’s ABC’s dramatic declaration that they are ready to meet the needs of an ageing population, ensuring residents can live independently, comfortably, and happily!
Cllr Noel Ovenden, Leader of Ashford Borough Council and Cabinet Member for Housing and
Homelessness, said:
“Our approach to modernising our sheltered housing stock is delivering wonderful results for the borough’s older residents and I’m excited to see that Oakleigh House is set to follow the same template as Farrow Court, Danemore and others. We are proud of the quality of our new homes, from each redevelopment we learn new things that can then be put into practice in the next project.”
The Council say the scheme addresses local demand for affordable retirement living and supported housing for residents with learning disabilities. It will be non-institutional, creating a domestic character within a building of architectural distinction, while its sustainable design which means Oakleigh House will aim to achieve zero carbon in operation.
Martin Sandall, Managing Director of Jenner who are constructing the new homes, said:
“Jenner is delighted to be working with Ashford again following the recent successful completion of Mill View. Oakleigh House will bring forward much-needed affordable and sustainable new homes that will
hugely benefit local people with learning disabilities allowing them to live independently, and we are delighted to be appointed to deliver this special project and get construction underway.”