The Secretary of State’s decision follows a public inquiry into the called-in planning application last year for a proposed scheme that included up to 3,500 homes, a new football stadium, commercial space and community facilities on land surrounding Ebbsfleet Football Club in Northfleet.
A key issue considered during the public inquiry was the future of Robins Wharf, a riverside site that plays an important role in bringing construction materials into the South East and is protected under the Kent Minerals and Waste Local Plan because of its strategic importance.
Kent County Council took part in the inquiry because the development would have resulted in the loss of the wharf and the important function it performs in the importation and supply of materials used to build homes, schools, hospitals, roads and other community infrastructure.
Robins Wharf receives, processes and distributes a range of construction material including sand, marine dredged material and other aggregates which are essential for projects across Kent, London and the wider region.
The Planning Inspector concluded that the development would result in the permanent loss of the wharf, with no suitable alternative identified. The Secretary of State agreed, finding that the loss of Robins Wharf, together with concerns about contamination, public health and job losses, outweighed the benefits of the proposed development.
“This is a strong endorsement of Kent's minerals safeguarding policies in its Mineral and Waste Local Plan and sends an important message,”
Linden Kemkaran, Leader of Kent County Council, said: "This is a significant decision for Kent and a landmark ruling for the planning system nationally. It recognises the strategic importance of Robins Wharf and the role it plays in supporting construction and economic growth across the South East.
"At KCC we fully recognise that people having ready access to local jobs in construction can lead to strong economic growth. This in turn improves living standards, supports businesses and strengthens the economy, not just locally in Northfleet but in Kent as a whole.
"The Secretary of State has made clear that the long-term importance of safeguarding critical minerals infrastructure can outweigh even substantial housing and regeneration benefits.
"Protecting facilities such as Robins Wharf helps ensure a reliable supply of the minerals and construction materials needed to build future homes, hospitals, roads and other vital infrastructure. This is a strong endorsement of Kent's minerals safeguarding policies in its Mineral and Waste Local Plan and sends an important message about the need to protect both the infrastructure and supply chains that provide the materials communities rely on."
“This has huge significance for future planning decisions and recognises that long-term economic growth depends not only on what we build, but also on maintaining the supply of the materials needed to build it.”
David Wimble, Cabinet Member for Economic Regeneration and Special Projects, added: "The sand, gravel and other materials needed to build homes, schools, hospitals and roads have to come from somewhere, and facilities such as Robins Wharf play a vital role in getting them where they're needed.
"If we are serious about supporting growth, creating jobs and delivering new infrastructure, we also need to protect the places that help bring those materials into Kent.
"This has huge significance for future planning decisions and recognises that long-term economic growth depends not only on what we build, but also on maintaining the supply of the materials needed to build it."
Notes to journalists
- Kent County Council participated in the Northfleet Harbourside public inquiry in its role as Minerals Planning Authority.
- Robins Wharf is an operational aggregate wharf on the River Thames.
- Aggregate wharves help import, process and distribute materials such as sand, marine dredged material and other aggregates used in construction.
- These materials are used to build homes, schools, hospitals, roads and major infrastructure projects across Kent and the South East.
- The Secretary of State's decision followed a public inquiry into the planning application.
