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Plans for an £8 million marina, previously sunk by parking and access concerns, have resurfaced.
The project, earmarked for the shoreline of Ingress Park, in Greenhithe near Dartford, proposes pontoons projecting 195m into the River Thames, 180 mooring berths, improved access to the river via a boardwalk, plus a restaurant, bar and viewing platform. The bold plans hit the rocks in May last year when they were rejected by Dartford council because of concerns about a lack of off-street parking, which it said would increase congestion on Greenhithe’s roads.
But now applicants, Greenhithe Marina LLP, have resubmitted the plans in the hope they will be approved before an appeal against their previous refusal reaches a public enquiry.
There are no material changes to the plans, but the applicants have included another transport assessment, which they hope will allay the council’s fears. It estimates 612 cars could park on Greenhithe’s streets, with a further 155 in its three public car parks. However, most of the marina’s visitors, the applicants say, are expected to live within walking or cycling distance.
Four residents have commented on the plans - three of them objecting and citing parking concerns.
The council is due to reconsider the plans by the end of January.