A MAJOR breakthrough has been reached over a development site in the middle of Gravesend.

Gravesham Borough Council had reached deadlock with Barratt Homes over the former Lord Street car park site in the town centre after the developer applied to build more flats on it than the council had given permission for.

However, on Monday the council announced that Barratt Homes has agreed, in principle, to return the site to the council and pay compensation to cover the council’s costs, consultancy and legal fees.

Barratt also agreed to complete landscaping and finishing work on their other site at the southern end of Parrock Street car park.

Council leader Cllr Mike Snelling said: “We shall look to using the site for an interim use until such time as the proper development of this site can be brought forward, having regard to the state of the development market at present.

"Clearly, in future should the site require an alternative approach, far reaching consultation will take place before any proposal is taken forward.”

For the full story see this week's Gravesend Messenger