UPDATE: The High Court has just confirmed the decision to demolish Chatham Docks, paving the way for a major business park development known as Basin3. The ruling, delivered by Judge Sir Michael Chamberlain, dismisses a legal challenge from ArcelorMittal Kent Wire, a steel manufacturer on site, which claimed that the redevelopment would severely impact British industry and lead to job losses.
This decision is critical for the future of the Medway area. Medway Council had previously granted permission for the 31,000 sqm waterside campus, aiming to attract businesses in growth sectors like manufacturing, technology, and creative industries. The ruling effectively clears the way for significant investment in the region, with more than £200 million already injected into the area since the regeneration began.
The legal challenge arose after Medway Council’s planning committee approved the plans by Peel Waters. ArcelorMittal argued that the plans would lead to “seismic adverse consequences” for local jobs and industry. Despite these concerns, Judge Chamberlain emphasized that the court’s role was to determine the legality of the council’s actions, not the merits of the redevelopment plan itself.
The High Court’s decision also addressed several grounds of appeal raised by ArcelorMittal. Notably, the court rejected claims that the council had unlawfully granted permission for uses not specified in the original application, stating that the council’s decision was within legal bounds. Judge Chamberlain highlighted that the planning officers had acted properly and that there was insufficient evidence to support claims of misleading information.
As the project moves forward, the Basin3 development is expected to create thousands of jobs and open up the waterfront for public use for the first time. A new tree-lined promenade will enhance the area, connecting the community to the river and providing walking and cycling routes.
Leigh Thomas, development director at Peel Waters, expressed enthusiasm about the ruling, stating, “This means we can now move forward with our plans for Basin3, transforming underused brownfield land into a modern, high-quality employment campus.” He added that the project aims to triple the number of jobs on site and integrate with Medway’s existing university cluster.
Medway Council officials also welcomed the ruling. Cllr Simon Curry, the council’s portfolio holder for planning, reaffirmed the importance of the decision for local economic growth, emphasizing that it would maintain the site for employment use while improving public access along the River Medway.
However, the decision has not been well-received by everyone. Former MP Kelly Tolhurst, a vocal supporter of the Save Chatham Docks campaign, expressed her disappointment, stating she felt “depressed and upset” with the court’s ruling, which she believes favors developers over local workers.
Looking ahead, the formal approval for the project is now expected in November 2024, as the community watches closely to see how this controversial redevelopment unfolds. Community members and local businesses await the impact of this significant shift in land use, which promises both opportunities and challenges ahead.
