Mill view

The £1.25m design and build contract on behalf of longstanding client Ashford Borough Council has constructed two modern 2-bedroom homes and two 3-bedroom homes replacing properties destroyed by a portable gas heater explosion back in 2021.

The four new homes have been built to a very high standard, with a focus on energy efficiency by incorporating air source heat pumps with underfloor heating and solar PV panels on the roofs. Measures have also been included that will help future-proof the properties to adapt to a tenant’s changing personal needs including straight stairs that would allow a stair-lift to be installed if required, and square shaped bathrooms so they could easily be converted into a wet room, as well as an EV charger installed for each property.

Given the sensitivity of the project following the tragic explosion that detrimentally affected the lives of the former residents who have since been rehomed, the project has been delivered with the highest regard for the neighbouring community, not only to ensure that whilst the new homes are modern and efficient they are in keeping with their surroundings. At every stage the team were respectful and considerate with one local resident writing to us to directly to convey her gratitude…

“I wanted to say how considerate the workers were, they made sure there was not too much noise and tried to keep the dust to a minimum where they could. They always stopped to talk to me and update me with the progress of the build and took time to make sure I was happy and well.”

Building work on the four homes started in autumn 2024 and were officially opened by Cllr Noel Ovenden, Leader of Ashford Borough Council and Portfolio Holder for Housing & Homelessness alongside Chief Executive Officer Tracey Kerly on 12th September 2025, who toured the site and were delighted with the new properties that have been returned to life ready for their new tenants.