Against a backdrop of construction industry lay-offs and slow down, ZEDHomes has gained approval for a landmark 'green homes' development in Ashford, Kent. In stark contrast to the Government's much opposed eco-towns, this eco-village will be delivered without touching valuable green belt land, and without taking a penny from the public purse.

The thousand unit development will be the largest true green development in UK - at level V and VI of the code for sustainability, well beyond the solar panel and insulation currently being presented as green homes by many.

Ashford ZED Planning Application approved ZEDHomes welcomes the decision of the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, Hazel Blears, to approve its outline planning application to develop an environmentally sustainable development project in Ashford, Kent.

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The development will create over 1,000 new homes, as well as 90,000 square feet of working spaces, retail and leisure facilities, on a brownfield site close to the town centre.

Once complete, Ashford ZED will be an iconic new development in a designated growth area. Subject to detailed planning permission being granted quickly, construction could start early next year with the first residents moving in during 2010.

The Secretary of State's decision follows an inquiry into the project, initiated when ZEDHomes were forced to appeal against Ashford Borough Council's failure to make a decision on the scheme. ZEDHomes first submitted its plans to the Council in October 2005.

The development will achieve Level 5 under the Code for Sustainable Homes, with its provision for energy and water achieving Level 6, the highest possible. It will deliver near zero carbon emissions alongside the minimization of energy use and water saving.

The visionary scheme is the largest of its kind in the UK to achieve approval so far.

Michael Shwartz, Managing Director of ZED Homes commented: "I am delighted that the Secretary of State has recognised the significance and quality of our proposal. We want the people of Ashford to be proud that their town is to be home to such a visionary scheme, based on design of the highest quality.

"I believe this demonstrates strong support for eco-built homes from the government, which I applaud.

"We expect a strong demand from people wishing to live and work in the new sustainable community that we will be creating."

The scheme includes some 200 affordable homes and a further 50 sheltered units for the elderly.

(JM)