Controversial plans to knock down working docks have been recommended for approval by council officers - despite 172 letters of objection.

An outline planning application by Peel Waters to demolish the existing warehouses at Chatham Docks to build a new business campus called Basin 3 will go to a planning committee for a decision.

Planning officers have recommended the plans for approval saying they enabled greater flexibility for the type of industries which could operate at the site and they did not believe job-loss figures put forward in letters of opposition.

The application, which was submitted in January, received 172 letters of objection, mostly from local residents as well as ArcelorMittal KentWire, a business on the site, and the St Mary’s Island Residents Association.

These letters opposed the plans on the basis it would result in the loss of more than 800 jobs on the site, the local importance of Chatham Docks culturally and economically, and disputed some of the claims made by Peel Waters’ application.

They said the cost-assessment made for the repair of the lock gates, which Peel Waters say is too expensive to be viable, and the expected jobs the new business campus will generate, are over-estimated.

However, planning officers said an independent report did not accept the job figures claimed by one of the businesses on the site.

They also said 14 non-port related businesses could be relocated elsewhere in Medway and eight businesses reliant on the port could be relocated to locations “outside but in close proximity to Medway”

They did say the potential job losses were a part of their consideration of the application but the economic value of redevelopment represented a greater gain.

They said: “It is considered that the proposed redevelopment of this site will have a positive impact on the Chatham Docks giving the area a new lease of life and regenerating the area for more modern and flexible opportunities.

“Development of this part of Chatham Docks could provide economic benefits by supporting a transition away from the existing heavy industrial uses on site to attract inward investment, creating new employment opportunities in high-value sectors.”

National Highways also gave an assessment of the plans, saying they are concerned about the potential impact on the safe and efficient operation of the strategic road network.

But, after a technical note was supplied by Peel Waters, they said they had no concerns beyond recommending a construction traffic management plan be part of the approval conditions.

The plans by Peel Waters have received opposition from Rochester and Strood MP Kelly Tolhurst (Con), who has tabled a Westminster Hall debate on the plans tomorrow (May 1), and the Medway Lib Dems.

Reacting to the recommendation, Ms Tolhurst called it “appalling” and encouraged committee members to “listen to the voices of their residents”.

She said: “It’s an absolute disgrace. It just shows you can’t trust what Labour promise because they promised to back the docks and the jobs and they’ve completely gone against their previous policies. Appalling is all I can say.

“The leadership of Medway Council were very clear last year ahead of the local elections about their support for the docks but unfortunately since then they have done anything but.

“I’d say to the planning committee: think very carefully about losing high-quality jobs and very good, established businesses that are contributing to the economic growth and prosperity of the area.”

The campaign also previously had support from members of the Medway Labour group but, since taking control of the authority in May last year, they have been accused of falling silent on the issue.

Council leader Vince Maple previously said he wants to find a compromise between Peel Waters and the businesses on the Chatham Docks site and facilitated a meeting between them in January.

Representatives from the Save Chatham Docks campaign have said previously they would appeal any approval by the council and would even take it as far as the national Planning Inspectorate.

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Planning officers recommended the plans for approval with conditions, including creating schedules for when aspects of the work will be completed and further detailed designs for the site which will also require officer approval.

The application will go to a planning committee meeting on May 8 where councillors will debate its merits and make a decision.