Chatham Docks regeneration plans submitted to council

The scheme could see 19 new units built on the historic waterfront

Controversial plans to regenerate Chatham Docks on the Medway waterfront into a business and enterprise campus have been submitted.

The scheme aims to demolish existing warehouses, build 19 business units and create waterside pedestrian and cycle paths.

However, campaigners want to see the docks retained as a working port.

Rochester and Strood MP Kelly Tolhurst has also called on the council to reject the plan.

Developer Peel Waters, which has lodged the application, said the site would create a "sustainable, versatile, and scalable" waterfront space, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

It would actively promote job creation in creative, manufacturing and technology, life sciences, and IT and digital sectors, the company added.

However, the development has faced opposition from businesses on the industrial estate and the Save Chatham Docks campaign, which has been supported by Medway Council leader Vince Maple.

Ms Tolhurst said the plans were "disappointing" and "lacked ambition for the economic growth of Medway".

She added: "Their plans would see the displacement of successful businesses, local people losing their jobs, with over 800 high-skilled jobs being lost at the site along with other jobs in the local supply chain."

If approved, work cannot begin on-site until 2026 as the businesses currently occupying the industrial estate have leases which run until the end of next year.

The application is yet to be verified by Medway Council after which it will be open to public consideration and analysis by planning officers.

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