Hopes of Kent’s fourth David Lloyd health club opening this year have been dashed due to a planning dispute.
Ashford Borough Council (ABC) approved plans for the facility on Waterbrook Park in Sevington in August 2024.
David Lloyd is to launch a club on Waterbrook Park in Ashford, but its opening has been delayed. Picture: Hadfield Cawkwell Davidson Limited
However, construction has yet to get underway off A2070 Bad Munstereifel Road while bosses amend a planning agreement.
They are currently in discussions with ABC and Kent County Council (KCC) about changes to “necessary infrastructure” on the Waterbrook Park estate, including highways works.
The sprawling David Lloyd facility off Arrowhead Road is now expected to open in spring 2027, joining existing sites in Herne Bay, Kings Hill and Dartford. The firm also recently took over Avenue Tennis in Gillingham and while nothing has changed initially, there are plans to redevelop it later this year.
A number of developments are currently earmarked for Waterbrook Park, including 364 homes and KFC and Taco Bell outlets.
A David Lloyd spokesman said the company is “working proactively” with landowner GSE to “address and resolve” the issues, which relate to a previous planning consent for the wider Waterbrook Park estate.
David Lloyd is be one of several new companies coming to Waterbrook Park; Aldi opened in October
Ashford’s David Lloyd Club was granted approval in August 2024, but work has yet to start
A spokesman said: “We would like to thank the community for their patience and support towards our new health and wellness club in Ashford.
“We are committed to bringing our new club to Ashford and hope to be able to start construction in the first half of the year.
“We’re excited to become a part of the Ashford community here, providing 80 to 100 jobs for local people.”
Once open, the facility will have four swimming pools comprising a five-lane indoor pool, a learner pool, a 25-metre outdoor pool and a children’s facility.
The club will come with an inflatable air dome covering its three tennis courts, allowing people to play the sport all-year round and in all weather conditions.
Four swimming pools will be available for members at David Lloyd in Ashford. Picture: Hadfield Cawkwell Davidson Limited
David Lloyd in Ashford will feature a lounge. Picture: Hadfield Cawkwell Davidson Limited
It is also due to include a Battle Box facility – a black shipping container full of the equipment needed for full-body, high-energy fitness training sessions.
Meanwhile, a lounge where food and drink would be served is also on the cards, along with 248 parking spaces.
It is not yet clear how much membership fees will cost, but prices come in at £174 a month in Herne Bay.
This week, an ABC spokesman confirmed the authority is currently in talks with bosses at David Lloyd.
“We are working with representatives from David Lloyd and the landowners, as well as KCC, on an application to amend the Waterbrook planning permission,” they said.
David Lloyd’s Ashford site is in Arrowhead Road
“This is to ensure the necessary infrastructure including highway works is delivered at the appropriate time to serve the David Lloyd development, as well as the residential and commercial elements of the wider Waterbrook development.
“We are awaiting the submission of additional information from the applicant before we can progress the application.”
A year ago, KentOnline revealed concerning aerial pictures showing “extraordinary flooding” on the plot – which was previously earmarked for a huge Amazon warehouse.
At the time, ABC member Cllr Paul Bartlett (Con) acknowledged the flooding was a concern but said the developer needed to be “trusted”.
This week, he said the new arrivals at Waterbrook Park are exciting for residents, but admits many are taking too long to come to fruition.
“These are fantastic brands coming to Waterbrook,” he said.
ABC’s Cllr Paul Bartlett represents the area
“A lot of that is because they see this part of Ashford as a great area to invest in.
Find out about planning applications that affect you by visiting the Public Notice Portal.
“Many, though, are coming along at a snail’s pace, which is disappointing especially for people living on Finberry.
“Things like the village centre are now coming forward, but years later, so I do feel sorry for people nearby.”
