Minor changes have been proposed to a multi-million-pound waterfront neighbourhood following a four-week public inquiry.
The scheme, known as Northfleet Harbourside, was called in to the Planning Inspectorate in February after Gravesham council approved outline proposals last year.
The inquiry started on May 20 at Ebbsfleet FC’s ground, known as the Kuflink Stadium, in Northfleet and sat until June 13, with a decision expected in September.
However, the hearing found that there was a need to update the submitted drawings to show how replacement parking and lorry marshalling areas can be provided for the nearby business Britannia Refined Metals (BRM).
The metal supplier, which operates at the northern end of Lower Road, in Northfleet, has previously objected to the overall Northfleet Harbourside scheme.
A submitted explanatory note for a consultation on the changes states that the proposals will have “consequential effects” on other parts of the scheme, like pedestrian access, including the route of the England Coastal Path and another footpath.
The majority of the previous drawings and plans have been unchanged, while some have been removed or superseded.
Northfleet Harbourside has also used the opportunity to show potential Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) mitigations.
This also includes the erection of a cat-proof barrier, likely a wire chain fence and wet ditch, to deter them from accessing the Swanscombe Peninsula.
The document adds: “For the avoidance of doubt, the consultation relates solely to the illustrative BRM facilities and the consequential changes, and the potential SSSI mitigation.”
It is understood, the current proposal, Option B, includes removing sections of open space and footways, and rerouting footpaths and cycleways near BRM.
Kent County Council (KCC) has already submitted an objection to the change, stating that where the paths were to be routed through green space, they will now run alongside an HGV holding bay and car park.
It added: “The harmful impacts of which are several and include, for example, HGV movements, diesel fumes, vehicle air conditioning units, engine noise, reversing sirens.”
The public rights of way team also said the paths will be confined between two fences, and it would introduce “conflict between people and vehicles” that raises “potential safety concerns”.
Anyone wishing to comment on the consultation should do so by Wednesday, July 30.
To see more planning applications and other public notices for your area, click here.
The public inquiry is due to resume on Thursday, September 11, at the council’s offices in Windmill Street, Gravesend.
To build the £40million scheme, the existing buildings on the almost 50-acre brownfield site will be demolished, while Galley Hill Road and Stonebridge Road, in Northfleet, will need to be realigned.
A retail village of around 40,000 sq m of shops, cafes, sports facilities, a nursery, medical services and community venues will also be erected in its place.
It will sit alongside a hotel, 3,500 homes, 18,000 sq m of office space, 2,600 parking spaces and a new 18,000 sq m football stadium with up to 8,000 seats.
This will almost double the capacity of the existing football ground, which can currently hold 4,769 fans, and it is said it will secure the club’s long-term future.
Gravesham council gave outline planning permission in April 2024 for the project, almost two years after plans were submitted in October 2022.
It was then referred to the government by council officers in November, and the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, Angela Rayner, decided to call it in.
The project has previously been criticised as it has caused uncertainty for the companies already operating in the area, with some facing the likelihood of their premises being compulsorily purchased.
There are numerous businesses, from wholesalers to concrete suppliers, with warehouses, showrooms and workshops and workers in PPE, on the industrial estate off Stonebridge Road.
Currently, only outline plans have been approved, meaning the council has agreed the development is sound in principle.
Specific details on the layout and design of the development will have to be decided through further planning applications.
It is predicted that construction work will take about 10 years.
