The Ashford LDF, a spatial planning strategy for the town and its surroundings, has delivered a range of benefits. It has set out a clear plan for development, including the identification of key locations, transport infrastructure requirements, environmental infrastructure and the housing and population densities necessary to sustain viable levels of social and commercial infrastructure.

It has also proposed a logical programme for development. The benefits will be shortened negotiation, better products as a result of negotiation between different stakeholders, greater understanding by key local decision makers and an ability to make informed comments on planning applications for major development and reduced uncertainty due to political support. As a result, the development industry has embraced the principles of the framework on key sites.