A CONTROVERSIAL plan to build a rail depot on green belt land has been given the go ahead on appeal.

A public enquiry into the planned rail freight terminal in Slade Green heard claims that "very special circumstances" will allow developers to ignore green belt policy and build on the land in the north of the borough, which borders Dartford.

Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, Hazel Blears MP, has given her seal of approval for the 64-acre project, despite stating the adverse impact the terminal would have on the surrounding area.

Ms Blears agreed with inquiry inspector Andrew Phillipson that London needed to provide three or four strategic rail freight interchanges and lacked alternative sites.

Adjacent to the existing Southeastern Trains depot, the green belt land destined for development stretches from Moat Lane in Slade Green to Bob Dunn Way in Dartford.

Planning permission for the depot at Howbury Park was previously refused by Dartford Council and last February Bexley council pledged a total of £25,000 to fight developers, Prologis, during the public inquiry.

But despite strong opposition from both councils and residents, Prologis have been granted permission to start building this year.

Plans include four rail-linked warehouses covering around two million square feet, rail sidings, a freight terminal, new access roads and a rail link to the North Kent line. A swing bridge across the River Cray on the marshes will also link the two boroughs.

The formal decision has imposed 37 conditions on the company and an appeal can be lodged with the High Court within six weeks.

For more information on the project and local reaction see next week's Bexley Extra.