The South East England Development Agency (SEEDA) has submitted a planning application to redevelop the former Snowdown Colliery site in Kent.
Phase one of the 250,000 sq ft Snowdown scheme, situated between the villages of Aylesham and Nonington in East Kent, comprises 50,000 sq ft of speculative business space.
The government-funded agency will also create a 30-hectare country park with a picnic area and information points relating to the mining history of the colliery and the area’s animals and plants.
Mike Terry, SEEDA senior project manager, said: “Submitting the planning application is a significant step towards the regeneration of the site.
“The area is considered of high ecological value due to its history and setting, and has unique flora and fauna.
“As a result we will be endeavouring to protect that ecology as we redevelop the site, and will adopt high sustainability standards both for the new buildings and the site as a whole.”
Dover District Council cabinet member for economy, Frederick Scales, said: “This is a great opportunity to regenerate this former coalfield site.
“We have been working with the community to empower them to play a key role in the Master Planning of this site.
Whilst we must stress we can not prejudge any planning decisions taken in due course, we certainly welcome the opportunity to create new jobs and recreational facilities.
References: EGi News 06/11/06
