Skip to content

July 2026 update

Councils Take Legal Advice on Chilmington Green Obligations

Last updated: August 2026

Short answer

Ashford Borough Council published a Chilmington Green statement on 1 July 2026 confirming that administrators have been appointed to Hodson Developments (Ashford) Ltd and five associated companies, and that it is taking legal advice with Kent County Council on what this means for the Section 106 obligations - including the A28 improvements.

What the council said

The council's spokesperson confirmed it is aware of the appointment of administrators, and that alongside Kent County Council it is "taking legal advice on any impact this may have on the developers' obligations under the section 106 agreement with both councils, and on the ongoing legal action relating to those commitments".

The statement also restates the January 2026 outcome: a Planning Inspector dismissed Hodson's appeal seeking over 100 changes to its Section 106 agreement, supporting the council on nearly all points - including that the obligation to improve the A28 should not be lifted.

Why it matters locally

  • The Section 106 package funds schools, roads, healthcare and community facilities - not just houses.
  • The A28 Chart Road dualling scheme, worth around £30m, was tied to the developer's obligations.
  • Both councils say they will continue pressing for delivery, "subject to the effects of the administration".

What to watch next

The practical questions now are who takes on the remaining land and phases, and whether the obligations transfer intact. Our administration explainer and Section 106 guide cover the background in plain English, and we will post updates here as the councils and administrators say more.

Sources

Frequently asked questions

What did Ashford Borough Council say in July 2026?

In a statement published on 1 July 2026, the council confirmed administrators had been appointed to Hodson Developments (Ashford) Ltd and five associated companies, and that it is taking legal advice with Kent County Council on the impact for Section 106 obligations.

Does administration cancel the Section 106 obligations?

Not automatically. The obligations sit with the land and the agreements, and the councils say they will do all they can to see them delivered - subject to the effects of the administration. The legal position is still being worked through.

What about the A28 Chart Road works?

The January 2026 appeal decision backed the council's position that the developer's obligation to improve the A28 should not be lifted. Delivery now depends on what happens through the administration process.

Related guides