Planning applications lodged for the former Wye College listed buildings

Ashford Borough Council opened the public consultation today on an application to convert the former Wye College buildings to residential use. The 2.5 acre site includes all the Grade I, Grade II* and Grade II listed buildings that front the High Street and Olantigh Road. The Old Hall, and the Latin School are listed Grade I. They are the oldest buildings in the complex, and date from 1447. Whereas the Wheel Room which is a similar age is listed Grade II* They are all part of a designated scheduled monument.

This latest application from landowner and developer Telereal Trillium also proposes associated works. These include the restoration and alterations to buildings, demolition of later structures and rebuilding to provide 39 dwellings and community space; together with the provision of two new dwellings, parking courts with car barns, cycle storage and refuse stores. The application includes changes to the existing permission for Squires Cottages, approved last year.

The reference number for this planning application is 17/00567/AS and the parallel listed building consent application number is 17/00568/AS.

The Wye Neighbourhood Plan provides the policy context for this application. Policy WNP11 includes a statement that that proposals shall provide a 'mix of community, residential and business uses' for the Grade 1 and Grade 2 buildings. For planning purposes this qualifies as a major site, so Ashford Borough Council will work to an extended decision deadline period of 13 weeks.

The site forms part of the 44 acre WYE3 area, owned by Telereal Trillium since October 2015. The whole of WYE3 is subject to a current masterplanning process, which is also under the control of Ashford Borough Council.

This morning, councillors from Wye Parish Council had a preliminary meeting with the developer and agent on site. Their aims being to gather more information, raise practical queries and press for significant community benefits from the development. The Council will meet Thursday 27th April to decide on its initial response, and how best to raise public awareness of the many issues involved.