The regeneration of Ashford will be driven by Judith Armitt, former chief execitive of Thames Gateway.

She has been appointed managing director of the new Ashford’s Future company.

The company has been set up to support Ashford’s Future Partnership Board to drive forward key projects to support ambitious growth plans for the town.

The development programme includes the creation of 28,000 new jobs and 31,000 new homes by 2031.

Around £2.5bn of public and private sector money is expected to be invested.

Cllr Paul Clokie, chairman of the Future Partnership Board, said: “I am delighted that Judith Armitt has agreed to become managing director.

"She has a clear understanding of Ashford’s aims and objectives."

Mrs Armitt is also a former chief executive of Medway Council.

She will be responsible for delivering against a series of objectives including housing growth and employment targets and transport infrastructure improvements.

She said: “This is a very exciting time to be working with Ashford with the new high speed rail services to London starting just next year.”

She will take up her new role on June 16.