Peel Land and Property's Chatham Docks project due back before Medway Council planning committee
Published: 00:00, 19 June 2013
Updated: 12:42, 19 June 2013
The transformation of Chatham Docks, which could create up to 3,500 jobs, will go back before councillors on the planning committee this evening (Wednesday).
Developer Peel Land and Property received outline planning permission for the 26 acre site in Pier Road, Gillingham last year.
On that occasion it was agreed what type of facilities will be in the site’s four zones and the maximum height of buildings.
Now the company is seeking permission to start building the first phase of the project.
This will include an Asda supermarket, a fully automated petrol station, a pub/restaurant and a park running through the centre.
Known as “Chatham Central Park”, it will have a water feature and is intended to be the “central spine" of the site.
It will include walking, cycling and jogging routes.
A 27-bedroom hotel was originally included in the plans, but this has been taken out.
The first phase is at the front of the site, facing Pier Road.
Planning officers have recommended councillors approve the application and refer it to the Health and Safety Executive for final approval.
Barring any problems, Peel hope to begin work in September and finish in early 2015.
The entire project includes up to 475 student apartments, 950 flats and houses, a multi-storey car park, office space, shops and university facilities.
A conference centre similar to Media City in Salford, Greater Manchester, is also envisaged to host media events, trade shows and conferences.
The meeting, which is open to members of the public, is being held at the council’s offices in Dock Road, Chatham at 7pm.
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Alan McGuinness