A long-running row on whether to close a commercial docks will probably end up going to court, a top councillor has warned.

Chatham Docks could close in 2025 if landowners Peel Land and Property (L&P) goes ahead with plans to redevelop the land into 3,625 homes and business space.

The row links to Medway Council's Local Plan development, which will be the subject of a cabinet decision next week.

Cabinet member Cllr Jane Chitty (Con) faced questions about her portfolio, including the development of the Local Plan, during a meeting of the council's regeneration, culture and environment overview and scrutiny committee last night (Thursday, October 13).

Currently, the authority designates the land as employment through its 2003 Local Plan.

Draft documents published by the authority last September indicated the council's wish to re-allocate the land to a mixed use of employment and housing, stoking criticism from residents and politicians.

Rochester ward councillor Stuart Tranter (Con) asked Cllr Chitty how the viability of the site would be considered when the authority decides on the land designation for the emerging Local Plan.

He said: "If that space could be shown to be economically viable, is it very likely any plan would not seek to change the designation of that land to mixed use or residential because that is our gift and not the gift of the landowner?"

Cllr Chitty, who will leave the council next year, replied: "It's a commercial decision and it's up to each party to prove their point.

"I think there is certainly a very strong case that both sides will go into litigation on this. I think it is inevitable, I would welcome that.

"Whichever side promotes it, I don't care. But I think this is subject to what will be a very serious, very complex court case and I am not going to make any predictions of what we, or others, should do.

"I am sure you will agree with me that the complexity of this will end up in the courts and I am more than happy for that to be the case."

Cllr Andy Stamp (Lab) asked how seriously the council would consider supporting any plans to keep the docks going as a working port.

In June, the campaign group Save Chatham Docks hosted an event in Westminster showcasing a masterplan put forward by Docks-based company ArcelorMittal Kent Wire to retain the hub's current use, ensuring its future, and supporting jobs.

Those running the business have said they are willing to prop up the plans with funding.

Cllr Stamp said: "If the council were willing to enter into proper dialogue with those businesses down at the docks, then I feel that could be a realistic and viable option for the site and the long-term safeguarding of the industry and the jobs that are there.

"Just saying that it's a commercial decision and it's nothing to do with the council, I think is a real dereliction of duty."

Cllr Chitty said she hadn't seen any letter nor any proposals put forward by the businesses at the docks.

She added: "We made it very clear as an authority that the expense of purchasing the docks is completely outside of our ability.

"I am saying the real decision is between those people in Chatham Docks and Peel, they are the decision makers.

"If we went into a compulsory purchase situation, you are talking huge sums of money that would certainly have a really severe impact on people in Medway."