A popular development in Kent is successfully integrating old and new communities.

Persimmon @ Aylesham Village, on Dorman Avenue, is situated between the coastal town of Dover and the historic cathedral city of Canterbury. The development has been hugely popular, particularly with first time buyers.

Sales advisor Natasha Owen-Butcher said: “Our purchasers have been predominantly first-time buyers from the local area or the wider Kent area, with a few coming from Surrey and London. The attractive price of the houses is really bringing them in – you definitely get more for your money here at Aylesham Village.

“What has been lovely to see though, is how the old and new communities have integrated: people who have lived here for years have really welcomed the new residents, and there is a fantastic community spirit. We’ve also found that our purchasers have quickly formed their own communities, supporting one another.”

The development is built on the site of a former mining village. The centre is focused around the Market Square with its range of shops, a Post Office and supermarket as well as a new health centre situated on the edge of the square. The village has two primary schools and a former secondary school which now houses the Aylesham and District Community Workshop Trust. This provides a range of training facilities, workshop units, a café, nursery and library, making it ideal for families. There’s also an exciting new sports centre with all-weather sports pitches, with even more expansion due in the near future.

Tasha joined Persimmon Homes in August 2015 and has been at Aylesham Village since October that year, completing her training in February 2016. Before joining the industry, she worked in a residential care home and completed a Marketing and Advertising Degree.

She said: "I absolutely love my job. It offers such a range of skills that can be used in other roles and in life. The main highlight for me is being with a customer from the beginning of their journey to completion, it's really satisfying."

The development has another few years to run, and Tasha can’t wait to welcome more happy customers to the Aylesham Village community.