A slump in the property market could see taxpayers picking up part of the bill for one of Ashford’s flagship redevelopment schemes.

Developers behind ambitious plans to transform the 20-acre Newtown Works site say they cannot afford to pay up front for all the new community facilities, school places and health services that will be needed.

Now council chiefs are considering solving the funding headache by making up the shortfall from the public purse and allowing developers to repay the money once they start making a profit from it.

Ashford council estimates more than £5 million is needed for infrastructure such as improvements to roads and drainage, play areas and other community facilities.

Normally, formal agreements ensure such costs are met by developers. But the Keir Group consortium says it can only afford £3 million, leaving a shortfall of about £2.4 million.

The scheme for the former railway site, which includes five listed buildings, is central to the town’s growth plans.

Its transformation will see the disused railway site redeveloped for 770 flats, along with shops, offices and restaurants and parking for about 1,000 vehicles.

Council planners admit that even if they do negotiate what is known as a “clawback” deal, they cannot be sure when the money would be available.

For more on this story, see this week's Kentish Express