Short answer
What facilities are planned?
The full Chilmington Green plan includes a wide mix of facilities to support a community of this size. The aim is to have many of the things residents need within walking or cycling distance of home.
In practice, that means a future district centre with shops and services, healthcare provision, sports and leisure space, community buildings and the kind of everyday amenities that turn a development into a real neighbourhood. Today, you can already see parts of this network in use; other parts are still in the future.
What is a district centre?
A district centre is a planned cluster of shops and services intended to act as the heart of a new community. For Chilmington Green, the district centre is expected to bring together everyday shops, food and drink, services and community space.
It is also more than a shopping parade. A well-designed district centre acts as a meeting point - somewhere to bump into neighbours, host events and anchor the wider community life of the area.
Are there shops at Chilmington Green now?
Day-to-day shopping for many residents currently happens in nearby parts of Ashford. The full district centre is part of the long-term plan, and timing depends on phased delivery and planning decisions.
Practical options today include the supermarkets, retail parks and town-centre shops in Ashford, plus convenience stores in surrounding neighbourhoods. Online shopping fills many gaps for residents in the meantime.
What healthcare is planned?
Healthcare facilities form part of the wider plan. Until they are open, residents rely on existing GP practices and healthcare services in surrounding areas - see NHS find a GP.
If you are moving in, registering with a GP early is one of the most useful things to do. The NHS find-a-GP tool shows which surgeries currently accept patients in your postcode, including their opening hours and online services.
Sports and leisure facilities
The plan includes spaces for sport and leisure, supporting both organised activities and informal use by residents and schools.
Some of these are linked to schools and shared with the community where appropriate; others sit within the wider open space network covered on our parks and green space page.
Community facilities
Some community spaces are already active, including the CMO Community Cabin, which supports events, groups and local engagement. Larger community buildings are expected as the area grows.
The Cabin is a useful first stop for residents looking to get involved, find out what is on, or contribute time and skills. See community life for more.
Why residents need clear updates
Plans can change. Residents who want to know exactly when a particular shop, GP surgery or community facility will arrive should follow Ashford Borough Council and developer updates and our regular newsletter.
Timing of major facilities is also affected by wider issues such as Section 106 obligations and the Hodson Developments administration. The latest update page is the easiest single place to keep an eye on the current picture.
What is open today vs still planned
- Open now: homes across completed phases, Chilmington Green Primary School, Chilmington Green Secondary School, the CMO Community Cabin, parts of the open space network.
- Still planned: the district centre, on-site healthcare facilities, larger sports and leisure provision, further primary schools, and additional community buildings.
Get Chilmington Green updates by email
Roads, schools, planning, homes, facilities and community news in one simple local update.
Frequently asked questions
Does Chilmington Green have shops?
A district centre with shops is part of the long-term plan, but not all shops are open today. Many residents currently rely on existing facilities in nearby parts of Ashford.
Is healthcare planned for Chilmington Green?
Yes. Healthcare facilities are part of the long-term plan, although delivery depends on planning and infrastructure decisions.
Are community facilities open?
Some community facilities, including the CMO Community Cabin, are already active. Larger community buildings will follow as the area grows.