New Quarter

Availability

The New Quarter is a new development of one and two bedroom flats in Ashford town centre that are soon to be available at an Affordable rent (up to 80% of market rent).

One and two bedroom flats available over three floors
Priority to Keyworkers and those in employment in housing need as defined by Ashford Borough Council
Parking is limited and chargeable
No pets policy
Lift available but first and second floor flats are not suitable for those with mobility needs
Balcony available with some properties
Some integrated appliances to be tenant responsibility

The properties are available in two phases during 2021 and if successful we will regrettably be unable to give you a choice of phase as this will be determined by Neighbourhood Area Management to ensure a sustainable and stable community.

We will try to provide a floor level of your choice but this may not always be possible.

Progress Update

As at the 1 July 2021 we have contacted all of the Keyworkers (Priority 1), those in employment (Priority 2) and those that are transferring from social housing in Ashford (Priority 3) that have placed a bid of interest on the New Quarter. We are currently conducting viewings and sign ups.

If you do not meet the criteria for Priority 1, 2 or 3 then you should assume that you have not been successful.

Please note that we are processing a high level of correspondence in relation to the New Quarter and as a result there may be delays in issuing responses to enquiries and offer paperwork.

Future Vacancies

Future vacancies will be advertised on Kent Homechoice from August 2021.

To be considered for an allocation you must be in housing need, have placed a bid via Kent Homechoice and be classed as either Priority 1, 2 or 3 as described above.

If you wish to be considered in future, please ensure that you have submitted an application to Kent Homechoice in plenty of time as there is a 12 week processing time.

Local Lettings Plan

Our definition of a Keyworker is available here.

Sector examples
Sector	Keyworker roles
Education	Teachers, teaching assistants, school admin staff, school support staff such as lunchtime supervisors and cleaners. Child care providers.
Public Admin and Defence	Police, Kent Police admin staff, cleaners, army workers, council officers
Human Health and Social Work	NHS staff, porters, admin staff, cleaners. Those concerned with the manufacture and distribution of medical equipment, e.g. Smiths Medical. Care workers both in the community and nursing homes and the admin staff.
Accommodation and Food Service Activities	Supermarket employees, shop security, cleaners, admin staff linked to these industries. Smaller local food shops. Food distribution services that have continued functioning during the pandemic. Hotel staff concerned with housing keyworkers during the pandemic.
Construction	Construction site workers
Transportation and Storage	Royal Mail, railway workers, bus drivers, admin staff linked to these industries. Delivery drivers e.g. Hermes.
Voluntary	A person whose voluntary work is aiding Ashford’s economic recovery and where that work is 16 hours per week

Please note that a Local Lettings Plan applies to the allocation of these properties and as such we will not be able to make offers to anyone that has a known history of antisocial behaviour, criminal activity, tenancy breaches or rent arrears.

Properties with balcony access may be restricted to applicants with older children.