Bromptons proposed 100 million headquarters in Ashford, Kent, secured the backing of Ashford Borough Councils planning committee last night (15 January). Councillors voted by 10 to two in favour of the scheme, which is backed by developer Quinn Estates.If built, the proposals would deliver a new factory, 46,000m2 of office space, a museum and wetlands on a 40ha site just south of Ashford town centre and RSHPs Ashford Designer Outlet, completed in 2001.However, Bromptons accounts for the year ending March 2024 have potentially put the scheme in doubt. Companies House filings showed profits at the west London-based business collapsed by more than 99 per cent, dropping from 10.7 million to 4,602 since March 2023.AdvertisementPlanning officers in Ashford, Kent, had recommended the project for approval days after The Guardian reported that the Brompton HQ scheme had been paused. The same report said Brompton had canceled dividends to shareholders as a result of the fall in profit.Speaking at the committee, Brompton CEO Will Butler-Adams said its plans for Ashford were so the business which he admitted had fallen to zero profitability could find its real home. He added that the company had moved five times in its 50 years and that moving was not easy.Butler-Adams continued: We looked at Ashford, Manchester, Birmingham right across the UK and it was Ashford that [] stood above the rest.Ashfords councillors approved the proposal after debating the flood risk of the development, which planning officers said would provide a net gain of 400 cubic meters of compensatory storage area for floodwater. Planning officers had recommended the project.Hollaway Studios designs for the cycle manufacturer were first shown off in 2022. The scheme includes new structure on stilts floating 2.2m above rewilded greenfield land, with room for increasing Bromptons 850 staff to as many as 1,500.AdvertisementThe scheme features no car parking, but has a circular walking and cycle path, which, according to Hollaway, will provide both expansive views of the site and multisensory experiences of the factory.Hollaway added that the campus would be carbon-neutral and use natural light and air flows, as well as using wind and solar power to contribute to its energy demands.Speaking to the AJ following approval, Hollaway told the AJ: This is a real milestone for Brompton and Hollaway Studio. Weve been working closely with this innovative client for the last few years to bring this application to committee and in the process we have managed to overcome many challenges.The practice continued: The project allows for development in a flood zone 3, zero parking and is situated in a green corridor. All of these aspects required innovative design solutions and, working with a great team, weve managed to overcome. We very much look forward, in time, to continuing to work with Brompton in the next steps to realise this project.Founded in 1976, Brompton specialises in compact, foldable bikes and is now the largest bicycle manufacturer in the UK. It has said the new building will be perfectly located between London and Paris two of its biggest markets.Brompton has been contacted for comment.