Peel steeled for pushback on Chatham Docks vote

Developer Peel faces strong opposition from steel group ArcelorMittal over its plans to redevelop the Chatham Docks Industrial Estate in Kent. Medway Council’s planning committee will this evening vote on Peel Waters’ plans to redevelop the site as a mixed-use scheme, which have been recommended for approval. ArcelorMittal has said the project threatens its reinforced concrete steel product manufacturing operation at the docks and could force its closure. The facility supplies around 30% of UK consumption of reinforced concrete steel. The company also claimed the officers report recommending approval failed to take national planning policy into account. Outgoing secretary of state Micheal Gove issued a holding direction on the application. In an earlier letter requesting that move, ArcelorMittal’s Matthew Brooks said: “Chatham Docks’ closure would have a significant impact on the UK reinforcement industry, leading to serious, potentially irreversible long-term harm, with immediate consequences for the resilience and carbon intensity of the sector.” In his own letter to Gove, Peel Waters managing director James Whittaker said: “ArcelorMittal is one of the primary tenants on the site whose lease expires in 2025 and appears to be the only party surprised by Medway Council’s adherence to statutory timeframes for decision making…  We are passionate about regeneration and specialise in it, we are also committed to Medway and want to see the area succeed.” ArcelorMittal argued that Peel has a track record of underinvestment in assets and wants a decision delayed until councillors and the next secretary of state weigh up the whether keeping the docks operational is in the national interest. The company said it has an alternative plan for the docks which will secure jobs and drive investment. Image from Peel Waters