MARGATE'S contentious Turner Contemporary is a step closer to getting off the ground, after Thanet District Council granted the project planning permission.

The decision, which was made on Wednesday night, paves the way for Kent County Council to appoint a contractor.

Work is expected to begin in the autumn and finish at some point in 2010.

'Confidence boost'

Turner Contemporary director Victoria Pomery said: "This is great news for Margate and for Kent.

There are lots of positive things happening throughout the town at the moment and I hope this will be a real boost to everyone's confidence, not just in the Turner Contemporary but in the future of Margate."

Renowned international architect David Chipperfield has designed the latest incarnation of the gallery, which is expected to cost around £17.5million.

His plans feature six interconnecting spaces, including exhibition galleries, an education space, café and shop.

Panoramic views

The two-storey building will be clad in white opaque glass, serving to reflect the light and withstand the harsh coastal conditions.

The ground floor of the gallery will feature panoramic views of the coastal landscape that inspired Margate artist JMW Turner.

KCC cabinet member for community services Mike Hill said: "This is a tremendous step forward. A vast amount of work has gone into this project and we will soon see it really taking shape."

Although work on the building itself will not begin until later this year, work on the surrounding infrastructure will start within weeks.