Huge bike factory by Kent designer outlet to bring 2,500 jobs

Plans for a massive bike factory that will bring 2,500 extra jobs to the area have been approved. But work is not scheduled to start on the Ashford site for another two years.

Brompton Bicycle has previously come under fire due to the proposal for a new HQ only including 30 parking spaces. But the company’s boss says the planning approval is a “phenomenal milestone" for the project.

The folding bike manufacturer first announced plans to build its factory and headquarters on land near the Ashford Designer Outlet in 2022. Set to be on stilts due to its place in a flood zone, the company officially submitted the planning application with help from Hollaway Studio architects and Quinn Estates in December 2022.

READ MORE: The charming Kent seaside town with a hidden grotto, sandy beach and an underrated theme park

READ MORE: E-fit appeal after woman 'sexually assaulted by man who asked to borrow teabags'

At a meeting of Ashford Borough Council’s planning committee yesterday (Wednesday), members met to make the final call on the £100m project, which will see the company move out of London. Council officers were recommending the committee approve the plans, but described it as “finely balanced” due to its place in a floodplain off A2042 Romney Marsh Road.

A council officer explained at the meeting: “The development would cause harm to the character and visual amenity of this section of the green corridor.” However, he stressed the “significant economic benefits” of the plans, including “a large number of highly skilled jobs in research and development (R&D) within this end-to-end production facility”.

The factory is expected to deliver 2,500 jobs, and an apprenticeship scheme will be run there as part of the firm’s legal agreement with the council. William Butler-Adams, CEO of Brompton, told the committee last night: “We looked at Ashford, Manchester, Birmingham – right across the UK and it was Ashford against the odds that stood shoulders above the rest with the ambition the support the can-do attitude to bring to life something that could be an innovative, sustainable and exciting home for Brompton.”

It was recently revealed the firm’s profits had fallen by more than 99%, however he stressed this is because they have been “investing through the downturn” for the industry, adding: “We have no debt, we’ve got strong cash reserves and we expect to see really exciting growth over the next three to five years.”

Councillors welcomed the proposals, but the parking plans were controversial, with only 30 of its own spaces proposed. Instead, staff will be expected to use overflow parking at the Outlet and Ashford International station.

“I fully support this application, it’s been a long time coming,” said Cllr Brendan Chilton (Lab). The councillor added: “I fully support the ambition and the intention but we are talking about 2,500 jobs, and you are honestly telling me that all 2,500 of those people are going to get on their tricycles and pedal to work in all weathers? No they’re not – this site needs parking spaces.”

Other councillors raised similar concerns, with Cllr Simon Betty (Ashford Independents) saying he was “sceptical of the transport plan”. However, council planning chiefs insisted Brompton’s research demonstrated there would be enough parking capacity in the surrounding area.

Others were critical of the location, with Cllr Bernard Heyes (Con) saying: “Although it’s very attractive and the possibility of having these jobs is welcome – I don’t welcome the space this is taking. When you see it from the road it will be on stilts and at 19 metres will be like something from the space age.”

But Brompton says the fact it is on stilts will create opportunities for new wetland habitats beneath, and its hydrological reports suggest the area can handle any expected flooding. ABC’s planning committee voted to approve the application with 12 votes in favour and two abstentions.

Speaking after the meeting, Mr Butler-Adams said: “This is an absolutely phenomenal milestone. It’s been four years of dreaming, imagination, hard work across the board, but we are not home and dry yet. My feeling is we will need two years to get the business through this – businesses go through cycles – to get us on the other side of this cycle and to know that we’re in a strong position.

“The timing of that move is super-important, but having planning permission that is now secure gives us a really clear focus of what our ambition is and where we’re heading.” As it lies on a floodplain, ABC will now have to refer its approval to the Secretary of State for Local Government Angela Rayner MP (Lab).

She will then decide if the government’s Planning Inspectorate should look at the bid to decide it itself, or if everything can proceed as approved by ABC. Mark Quinn, chairman and CEO of Quinn Estates, says the factory “could be a game-changer for Kent’s economy and future skills”.

He said: “It will deliver a £100 million investment for Ashford and thousands of highly skilled, well-paid jobs. We’ve been proud to be involved in this project from the beginning when it was ignited by former leader, Cllr Gerry Clarkson (Con) and carried forward by the current leader, Cllr Noel Ovenden (Ashford Independents) and the team, all of whom recognised the vision of bringing another international brand to Ashford.

“We’re looking forward to supporting Brompton and the wider team as it moves closer towards realising the ambition.”