Lodged by DHA Planning for development firm Peer Group, with plans from architects UMC, the new plans would see the construction of two buildings, with 9,440sqm of floorspace over three units.

The application, lodged with Ashford Borough Council in December 2023, would involve the demolition of Headley Brothers’ old Invicta Press buildings, as well as the partial demolition of another unit on the estate.

DHA described the old Invicta buildings – many of which are currently let to other businesses – as “ageing industrial accommodation… no longer fit for modern day use,” and set out a case for purpose-built, modern business units on the largely brownfield site.

Printweek understands that many of the businesses on site are on short-term contracts, and have been notified of the application by the council.

Headley Brothers’ old offices were demolished several years ago, around the time of Peer Group’s subsequently abandoned application to build 157 homes on the site in 2021.

The historic firm, established in 1881, was acquired in a pre-pack administration by Henry Stone Printers in early March 2017 via a pre-pack administration. Just eight months later, in November 2017, the newly formed Stones Ashford company was shut down abruptly. 

Henry Stone Printers would follow in early 2018, going bust to the tune of £3.5m.

Units on the site, which has good access to the M20, currently have a uniform business rate multiplier of 0.512.

A decision is expected on the application by 12 March 2024.