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April 2026 update

A28 Chart Road Scheme: Where Things Stand in 2026

Last updated: July 2026

Short answer

The A28 Chart Road dualling scheme remains postponed. The obligation for the developer to contribute £30m was preserved by January 2026's appeal outcome, but Hodson's administration in March 2026 means delivery timing is unclear until a new master developer takes on the Section 106 commitments.

The picture in one paragraph

The A28 Chart Road dualling scheme has been one of the largest planned road improvements linked to Chilmington Green. Reporting from Construction News and KentOnline puts around £30m of its funding into the "at risk" column after the collapse of Hodson Developments (Ashford) Ltd - even though the obligation itself has not been discharged.

How we got here

  • Scheme designed to widen and improve the A28 to handle growth from Chilmington Green and the wider area
  • £30m of scheme funding secured as a Section 106 developer contribution from Hodson
  • January 2026: planning inspector dismisses Hodson's appeal to drop the obligations
  • 24 March 2026: administrators appointed to Hodson Developments (Ashford) Ltd and four associated companies
  • Scheme remains listed by Kent County Council as postponed with no confirmed delivery date

What this means for drivers

In practical terms, the A28's current layout and capacity stay as they are for the foreseeable future. School-run drivers, commuters heading to the M20 and anyone travelling into central Ashford will continue to see the same pinch points they already know.

What could unlock the scheme?

  • Sale of Hodson's Chilmington interests to a new master developer able and willing to fund the Section 106 obligations
  • New funding routes announced by Kent County Council or central government
  • A revised, staged version of the scheme delivered in smaller chunks
  • A wider review by the councils of how the Section 106 contributions are enforced

For a fuller picture of the scheme itself see our A28 Chart Road scheme page.

Sources

Frequently asked questions

Has the A28 scheme been cancelled?

No. Kent County Council currently lists the scheme as postponed. Delivery timing depends on funding, the outcome of Hodson's administration and any future master developer taking on the Section 106 obligations.

How much funding was tied to Hodson?

Around £30m of the scheme's funding was secured through Section 106 as a Hodson developer contribution. The Section 106 obligations were preserved by the January 2026 appeal outcome, but Hodson's administration in March 2026 makes actual payment uncertain.

Where can I check the current status?

Kent County Council's highway projects and schemes page is the authoritative source for the scheme's status.

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