Short answer
A new community, not just new houses
Chilmington Green has been planned to grow into a real community, with shared green spaces, schools, community buildings and events. The community side of the development is just as important as the bricks and roads.
That ambition shapes a lot of what you see on the ground: wider verges, generous play areas, walkable streets and a clear effort to connect homes to green space rather than just bolt them on. The big test, of course, is whether residents take up that invitation - and so far, the early signs are positive.
What is the Chilmington Management Organisation?
The Chilmington Management Organisation, often shortened to CMO, is the body set up to manage shared spaces and support community life at Chilmington Green. It is one of the unusual features of the development and a key part of how the area is planned to work in the long run.
Most new estates are handed over to a generic management company that does basic grass cutting and not much else. The CMO is designed to be different: a long-term, community-focused body that maintains the public realm and actively supports residents to do things together. The estate charge that funds it is one of the things buyers should understand before exchanging.
What does the CMO do?
- Looks after shared green spaces and play areas
- Supports community events and groups
- Engages with residents about the area
- Helps connect residents with local activity
- Acts as a long-term steward of the public realm at Chilmington Green
- Provides a route for residents to raise issues about shared spaces
The CMO Community Cabin
The Community Cabin is a CMO-run space at Chilmington Green used for meetings, groups and events. For many residents, it is the most visible sign of the community side of the development.
Over time the Cabin is expected to be joined by larger, permanent community buildings as the population grows and the district centre develops. Until then, it acts as a flexible base where residents can meet, organise and host activities without having to travel into Ashford town centre.
Why community matters
New developments can sometimes feel isolating in their early years. Active community life - clubs, groups, schools, parks, events - helps people feel at home faster and makes new neighbourhoods stronger over time.
Research on new settlements consistently shows that people settle in faster - and stay longer - when they form connections beyond their immediate front door. That is not a luxury extra; it is part of what makes a development work as a place rather than just an address.
Local events and activities
Events at Chilmington Green can include family activities, seasonal events and group meet-ups. Schools, the CMO and residents all play a part in shaping what is on.
Typical examples over the year include seasonal celebrations, family fun days in the open spaces, smaller meet-ups at the Community Cabin, and activities run in partnership with local schools. The mix changes as the population grows and as new facilities open.
Connecting with neighbours
Beyond formal events, day-to-day community life builds in quieter ways: bumping into neighbours on the school run, parents’ networks at the primary and secondary schools, dog walkers along the green corridors, and online groups for the new streets. None of these need an organisation to make them happen - they only need a bit of effort and a willingness to say hello.
Faith, sport and interest groups
Established faith groups, sports clubs and interest groups in and around Ashford serve Chilmington Green residents too. Over time, more activities are expected to be hosted on-site as community space grows. If you run a group that would benefit local residents, the CMO is a good first point of contact.
How residents can get involved
- Subscribe to the Chilmington Green newsletter
- Follow CMO updates for events
- Support school and community groups
- Use shared spaces and play areas
- Volunteer at events, or offer skills you can share with neighbours
- Speak up when something on a shared street or space needs attention
- Welcome new neighbours - small gestures matter most in a growing area
Official links
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Roads, schools, planning, homes, facilities and community news in one simple local update.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Chilmington Management Organisation?
The Chilmington Management Organisation, or CMO, is the body set up to look after shared spaces, support community activity and help the new neighbourhood feel like a community, not just an estate.
What is the Community Cabin?
The Community Cabin is a CMO-run space at Chilmington Green that supports events, meetings and local groups.
How can I find out what is happening locally?
Subscribe to the Chilmington Green newsletter and check official CMO and council updates for events, news and changes.
Do I have to pay to be part of the community?
Most homes contribute an estate charge to the CMO, which helps fund shared spaces and community activity. Many events are free to attend, and you do not need to be a member to take part in most of them.
Can I start a group or run an event?
Yes. Residents are encouraged to get involved, whether that is hosting a club, running a one-off event or volunteering with the CMO. The Community Cabin and shared green spaces are designed with this in mind.