Hothfield Grasscrete

This project was completed on behalf of Ashford Borough Council to address a lack of resident parking in Hothfield. Commissioned through Mr. Simon Lees, the works aimed to create a practical, long-lasting solution that blended with the surroundings while improving access and reducing damage to grass verges.

Background

Area had minimal parking for residents and visitors resulting in them parking on grass verges and
council owned land adjacent to their properties.

Works to include

Section 1 Grasscrete:

To dig out an area 150 sqm to a depth of 200mm
Bund as much material around the outside as possible.
Lay geotextile membrane
Import and compact 100mm of MOT type 1
Import and compact a maximim of 40mm of sharp sand
Lay plastic grass crete
In fill with soil and grass seed
Muck away any left over soil

Section 2 Tarmac strip:

Removing the existing path which was to be left in originaly
Digging out 50 sqm down the centre of the new car park 2.5 metres wide to a depth of 200mm
Lay geotextile membrane
Import and compact 100mm of MOT Type 1
Edge each side of the roadway with pcc edgings
Lay 60 mm of 20 mm DBM base course tarmac
Lay 40 mm of 10mm SMA waring course tarmac
Lastly dropping the curb from the street for access KCC approved.

Outcome of Hothfield Grasscrete

The completed works at Hothfield delivered a practical and durable solution to longstanding parking issues for local residents. The installation of 150 square metres of Grasscrete provided a reinforced, environmentally friendly surface that blends with the surrounding green space while preventing damage from vehicle parking. The area was carefully excavated and reconstructed with appropriate sub-base layers, geotextile membrane, and a sharp sand bed to ensure long-term stability.

In addition to the Grasscrete, a central tarmac strip was installed to enhance access and vehicle movement within the new parking area. This included removing the originally retained path, precise excavation, compacting MOT Type 1, and surfacing with base and wearing course tarmac, framed with PCC edgings for definition and durability.

Finally, a dropped curb approved by Kent County Council was added to allow safe and convenient access from the street. The result is a neat, functional parking area that accommodates more vehicles and helps reduce pressure on local verges and council-owned green space, improving both resident satisfaction and the visual appeal of the neighbourhood.