Oakleigh officially breaks ground!

Date: January 2026

The project is part of the Council’s drive to prepare for the needs of an ageing population by building and remodelling housing for older people to live more independently in homes that are the right size for their needs. It will be non-institutional, creating a domestic character within a building of architectural distinction, while its sustainable design means Oakleigh House will target zero carbon in operation.

The former Oakleigh House in Watercress Lane was demolished in 2023 after its 1970’s build became dated and hard to maintain, and the site was cleared ready for work to start on building the new scheme. The independent living scheme for older people at Oakleigh House will comprise 54 flats with a communal lounge area, a covered terrace with views into the courtyard, a hair salon, a meeting room, mobility scooter parking, and an office. It will be built to HAPPI standards, combating isolation in older people and enabling them to meet and form their own community. The housing for adults with learning disabilities consists of five apartments. The developments will be arranged around two open courtyards with the main entrances located near to the junction of Watercress Lane, Cross Stile and on Beaver Lane.

The development is an early sign of Ashford Borough Council’s recently announced commitment to build 1,000 new homes over the next five to seven years and Jenner are delighted to be appointed as the main contractor to deliver the £18m scheme and continue working with our longstanding client following the completion of four new homes in Mill View earlier this year.