PLANS for the multi-million “Fastrack” public transport scheme, linking key destinations in Gravesend and Dartford, will not be derailed by a public inquiry.

Developers behind Bluewater have confirmed they will not formally object to the scheme, the first phase of which will cost £15 million.

Kent County Council says developer Lend Lease has withdrawn technical objections to the project, clearing the way for work on the first phase.

Bluewater’s decision means Secretary of State for the Environment John Prescott will now be able to cancel a full public inquiry, which had been scheduled for the end of January.

In a statement, Tim Hooker, Asset Development Manager for Bluewater, said: “Bluewater is pleased that its concerns over the Fastrack proposals have now been resolved with Kent County Council. We fully support public transport initiatives in the region including Fastrack. Together with a number of other local landowners, we had sought clarification on some of the details relating to parts of the planned scheme.”

Dartford council leader John Muckle said: “I am delighted. This is excellent news. An inquiry would have been costly and meant delay.”

Fastrack will be a sophisticated state-of-the-art public transport scheme, incorporating priority bus routes between Dartford and Gravesend railway stations and the two town centres.

Services will also incorporate Darenth Park, Bluewater, Greenhithe Station and Northfleet. A major part of the first phase will be a dedicated bus route from Darenth Park hospital to Bluewater, running alongside existing roads.

KCC hopes to complete the first phase before the Ebbsfleet International Passenger station opens in 2006.