National Grid officials have objected to plans for controversial £30 million power plant in Kemsley which could spell the end of the project before it has even begun.

The company, which provides a network of cables to electricity producers, has submitted a holding objection on the basis the site is too close to some of its high voltage lines.

The measure allows the government or any firm with a vested interest to put a stop to a project until the issue is resolved.

Although the council can still give approval to the plan, nothing can be built until the National Grid is satisfied with it.

Plans for the facility, off Barge Way, which would convert organic waste into energy to power up to 20,000 homes, were submitted by 4Evergreen Technologies earlier this month.

But the intervention of the National Grid could signify the end of the project after it sent a letter to a Kent County Council planning officer pointing out the site is directly underneath some of its high voltage power lines.

By law, electrical safety clearances must be maintained at all times and the company recommends no structures are built underneath its overhead lines.

4Evergreen Technologies may now have to completely alter its proposal if it is to be approved.

A company spokesman said: “Holding objections are a common occurrence on projects like this.

“They are issued by individuals or organisations – in this case National Grid – with an interest in the land to ensure that they can retain access rights for maintenance purposes.

“We will be putting up a fence around our site, which will reduce access, but we look forward to working with National Grid to ensure that it can continue to take care of its assets.

“The site was consented for commercial and industrial use by Kent County Council before we put forward our application.”

Kemsley and Iwade residents previously criticised the proposal on the basis it would be less than a mile from the Ridham Dock biomass power plant, due to be operational at the end of next month, and would substantially increase traffic at the nearby Grovehurst roundabout.

Chairman of Iwade parish council, James Hunt, who previously met with Evergreen Technologies to discuss the plan, said the latest development would be welcomed by locals.

He added: “I can’t believe something like this hasn’t been looked at earlier.
“If that is something that is going to stop the plant from happening then residents are going to be pleased, because it will sort out the traffic issue.”