Council secures closure of industrial depot built without permission seven years ago

Medway Council and the RSPB are celebrating after a public inquiry ruled that the owners of an industrial depot built without planning permission in north Kent seven years ago must clear the site.

The council had served a number of enforcement notices in relation to the depot, which was developed by Britannia Assets. The company appealed but a planning inspector last month ruled in favour of the local authority.

The Thameside Terminal depot is based in Cliffe, next to the RSPB’s Cliffe Pools Reserve.

The inspector ordered the site to be cleared after finding that:

• An adverse effect on the Cliffe Pools site, which was internationally designated, could not be ruled out
• The development was insensitive to the surrounding environment
• The development was likely to increase the risk to highway safety, and
• The development was detrimental to the living conditions of local residents.

It is understood that the owner will have two years to clear the site and enable businesses to relocate.

Medway Council’s development manager, Dave Harris, said: “We are pleased that the inquiry has ruled in favour of both Medway Council and the RSPB and agreed that this development is damaging to the surrounding areas in a number of ways. 

"The development not only damaged the character and natural potential of Cliffe Conservation Park, but also had a detrimental effect on the living conditions of local people and the quality of the area they live in. In addition to this, we believe that such a development has caused a risk to highway safety for both motorists and pedestrians, with the increased use of heavy goods vehicles in the area.” 

Alan Johnson, RSPB Kent area manager, said: “This decision sends a clear message that developers cannot just ride roughshod over the environment and that the quality of life and safety of local residents is of paramount importance.”