by Alan Watkins

awatkins@thekmgroup.co.uk

Ten years after a developer began an uphill battle to win support from Gravesend residents for the redevelopment of its Heritage Quarter, the latest plans have been condemned as "rotten, hideous and a blight" by local historians.

Edinburgh House has carried out numerous discussions, public consultations, and submitted plan after plan without yet getting planning permission. Its latest plans are currently out for consultation before consideration by the council. They include the proposed view along West Street (see above).

Gravesham Heritage Association is the latest to object to the plans which could attract hundreds of millions of pounds of investment in the area.

Tony Larkin (right), the association’s secretary, said: "The Eastern Quarter around the market square would look even worse than the hideous new block stuck behind the Clarendon Royal Hotel.

"What Edinburgh House propose nearby at the market is far bigger and will look even worse."

The Western Quarter would be ridiculous, he said. Along Bath Street buildings will be up to nine storeys tall.

"That is ridiculously high for a supposed Heritage Quarter," he argued.

They fear the number of small flats will attract buy-to-let landlords, and quickly become slums.

"Is that what we want for our town?" Mr Larkin asked.

"Our great fear is that once passed this plan will act as a blight on any future, more appropriate plans to build something smaller or renovate the existing historical area in a more respectable manner," Mr Larkin said.

"We hope the members of the deciding regulatory board show greater vision for Gravesend and have the courage to vote against this rotten scheme for the good of our town."

Richard Hughes, development manager for Edinburgh House, said support was overwhelming.

“The overall size of the development is now smaller, with about 100 fewer homes and all are of a practical size, with most flats having two bedrooms. The one-bed flats range up to 65sq m and two-beds up to 80sq m.

“ Market Square and Horn Yard in the Western Quarter will be transformed

The number of apartments – approximately 330 – fit the latest survey needs by Gravesham council. The highest point of the Western Quarter is no taller than any existing building and none of the buildings facing St George’s Church would be higher than its guttering.

“The new retail space has been designed to attract major high street stores not in the town, reinforcing Gravesend as a shopping destination, reversing leakage of shoppers and attract new shoppers.

“The plans will create more than 900 jobs, 550 of which will be permanent, with the aim to employ as many local organisations as possible."