PLANS for the regeneration of a "badly run down" village have been unveiled to residents.

More than 400 people packed into the village hall in New Ash Green on May 22 to take a first look at the plans.

The regeneration has been welcomed by the majority of the village's residents.

John Sutton, 68, of Manor Forstal, who has lived in New Ash Green for 34 years, said: "The village centre is badly run down and does need redevelopment."

At a meeting of Ash-cum-Ridley Parish Council, which represents New Ash Green, residents were able to see computer-generated images and hear designers explain their plans.

The three main landowners in New Ash Green - the Co-op, Gableholt Ltd and Pipperton Finance - commissioned architects Broadway Malyan to produce the designs.

At the meeting, Broadway Malyan associate director Tony Russell said the company was looking to work with the community on ideas.

He said New Ash Green is a "community centre in decline" and pointed out problems with access and security as well as a lack of a centre for community events.

The designs displayed were still at an early stage but included plans to create a village square.

This would be surrounded by retail units with around 18 shops, some with flats above.

Plans to expand the Co-op supermarket and build around 100 homes and apartments were also unveiled.

Images of the plans are on display in the Village Association office in Centre Road, New Ash Green.

A questionnaire asking for feedback on the plans from residents is also available there.

Mr Russell said: "We are still at the beginning of the planning process and are waiting for people to get back to us with their reaction to the initial plans.

"So far we have had mainly good feedback and some negative feedback, which is to be expected with any regeneration project."

Resident Mr Sutton said he would like to see "better parking" near to the Co-op supermarket.

He said he would also like to see more leisure facilities for young people, such as a swimming pool.