Developers have been given the green light by the Government's planning inspectorate for the partial redevelopment of a shopping centre.

Swanley Centre owners and developers U+I previously applied to Sevenoaks council for planning permission to replace the existing centre.

The application would have seen seven tower blocks ranging from three to 11 stories high, providing 303 new homes and more than 4,300 metres of commercial and retail space.

It was refused by the council in 2017, and U+I appealed the decision. A public inquiry into the appeal took place between Tuesday, June 4 and Friday, June 7.

The planning inspectorates decision to grant planning permission for the redevelopment was announced on Tuesday and is subject to conditions and legal agreement.

Sevenoaks councillor Julia Thornton (Con), the council's cabinet member for development and conservation, said: “Our development control committee refused this application as it had serious concerns about the impact on neighbours and the wider town.

"But, the final decision was made hundreds of miles away from Swanley by the Bristol-based Planning Inspectorate.”

What do you think about the decision? Let us know at dartford@thekmgroup.co.uk.

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