A CONTROVERSIAL 32-storey tower proposed for Gravesham riverfront is being delayed while the council carries out further public consultation.

Gravesham Borough Council made the surprise announcement this morning (Tuesday) that it will carry out additional consultation for the Heritage Quarter regeneration scheme.

The statement said "the step has been taken because comments from consultees are likely to require amendments to the scheme and this will entail further consultation.

"Although this will delay the announced timetable for the planning process, the council believes it is vital that the public consultation phase is fully informed and includes all the possible options for parts of the regeneration scheme."

Council leader Cllr Mike Snelling said: “The council is prepared to listen – we are listening to all sides of the debate but we are concerned that everyone is given the opportunity to hear the real issues and come to an informed decision.

“Although the decision to extend the process is planning-led it is particularly welcome because it gives us the chance to debate the real issues and avoid the situation of the debate becoming polarised on narrow lines.”

A development agreement was signed on February 2 2007 between Edinburgh House and the council. The then leader, Cllr John Burden, authorised the signing with support of both political groups on the authority and the endorsement of the then Cabinet.

It is a legally binding agreement and committed the council to the development, subject to planning consent.

The scheme now due for consideration by the council’s independent Regulatory Board includes a 32-storey tower building on the site of St Andrew's gardens.

See this week's Gravesend Messenger for the full story.