A controversial 275-acre distribution park in Kent will go to public inquiry after developer AXA RIEM complained that local planners were late deciding its application.
The French investor has appealed to the secretary of state against Maidstone Borough Council’s non-determination of its Kent International Gateway scheme after plans were submitted last October.
The application for 4m sq ft of rail-linked warehouse and office space is likely to now go to a public inquiry in the summer and will be decided by the secretary of state.
Kent County Council, the Campaign to Protect Rural England and an alliance of residents groups oppose the development, proposed near Junction 8 of the M20 between Bearsted and Hollingbourne.
Kent council leader Paul Carter told a public meeting on Monday night: “We will use every tool in our cupboard to fight this outrageous application. We have got a long way to go and a lot of work to be done.
“People power will make a significant difference. I will do all I can to persuade the good and the great from regional and national government of the detrimental effect this would have on a very beautiful part of Kent.”
AXA REIM and Maidstone council refused to comment.
