Chatham Docks Basin3 application officially approved
It's after the original approval was called in earlier this year
The application for a business campus on the Chatham Docks industrial estate has been officially approved.
After Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government Angela Rayner’s decision not to call-in the decision made by Medway Council’s planning committee, the approval has now progressed and been formalised.
The planning committee had approved the application by Peel Waters for the Basin3 business campus in May.
The request for a call-in was made by then-MP for Rochester and Strood Kelly Tolhurst (Con) to Michael Gove, who was secretary of state for levelling up, communities and housing.
While he was considering the matter, the application could not progress as it was subject to an Article 31 direction – even though it had been approved by the authority.
However, there were further delays when Rishi Sunak called an election which resulted in the Labour Party forming the UK government.
The decision then fell to Angela Rayner who, last week, decided she would not call-in the application.
Medway Council have therefore confirmed the approval of the application, giving Peel Waters permission to move ahead with their redevelopment of the 18-acre site.
The application is controversial as many of the existing businesses, including ArcelorMittal Kent Wire, say they will be forced out of the location.
Additionally, many believe it is the first stage of redeveloping much of the wider Chatham Docks site for housing.
However Peel Waters say the application in question widens the parameters of what sorts of businesses can operate in the area, not redesignating it to housing.
Furthermore, they say the Basin3 project, which would demolish the existing warehouses and replace them with workspaces and units of various sizes, would triple the amount of jobs on the site.
James Whittaker, managing director, Peel Waters said: “Basin3 will provide a fantastic opportunity for employment and growth in Medway and we are really pleased with the decision from both Medway Council’s planning committee to approve the application and the government’s decision to not call-in this development.
“This decision means we can now focus on delivering Basin3, working with our partners to build a high-quality, sustainable employment campus that will complement the surrounding business, educational and residential communities.
“Basin3 will bring with it many benefits for the wider community, including a tree-lined waterfront promenade with new cycle and pedestrian routes, as well as an improved coastal path route.
“Celebrating the sites heritage in an inclusive and accessible way is also important to us and we want to work with local community groups to observe the history of the docks before it became an industrial estate.
“Sitting adjacent to Medway’s university cluster, our aspirations for Basin3 have significant synergies with these universities which will bring further benefits to Medway as a whole, retaining talent and thereby attracting employers that are fundamental to our regeneration plans on this important waterfront site.”
Medway Council’s portfolio holder for climate change and strategic regeneration, Cllr Simon Curry (Lab), said: “The application was delayed in order to take legal advice, and while the Government considered whether to call-in the application, but the decision not to do so has reassured us that the planning committee followed the correct procedure and that their decision to approve the application is justified.
“This application keeps this area for employment use and brings forward the opportunity for new jobs and economic growth.
“I’m also looking forward to seeing how the development opens up a waterfront area beside the Medway for public access with a footpath and cycle way, and hope the site becomes a vibrant space for innovation, collaboration and creativity.”
However, many oppose the redevelopment, including businesses already on the industrial estate.
Phil Taylor, former chief exec at ArcelorMittal Kent Wire, following the announcement that Angela Rayner would not intervene said: “It’s a sad day for Kent Wire and a sad day for Medway.
“I’m disappointed, I’m saddened, and I’m shocked. We were hearing that it was likely to be called in and reviewed independently – but it does not mean the fight has finished.
“It’s illogical to destroy Chatham Docks, a high value employer. It’s illogical and has been from the start.”
Kelly Tolhurst, who requested the call-in said: “I am very disappointed and local people and people who work at the docks will keep the fight going because there’s no economic case for allowing this.
“A huge part of Medway’s economy is the businesses at Chatham Docks.
“We do not build infrastructure like this anymore, so it’s absolutely mad that this is being done.”
While Rochester and Strood’s current MP, Lauren Edwards (Lab) said she would work with Peel Waters to ensure they delivered on their promises – but said she understood some residents would be disappointed.
She said: “I supported the decision to ask the Secretary of State to review outline planning approval for Basin3 and made representations to ensure all relevant factors were considered.
“Since becoming the local MP, I have met with Arcelor Mittal and the Save Chatham Docks group and will continue to work with them to find a long-term solution for their business that preserves as many high-skilled local jobs as possible.
“I will also meet with Peel Waters, the company behind Basin3, to ensure the site is a success and delivers on the employment and growth potential outlined in the planning application.”
Peel Waters now officially have permission to begin work on the Basin3 redevelopment of the Chatham Docks industrial estate, subject to conditions.