COMMENT ON PARA. 5.28

Peel L & P – freeholder of Chatham Docks – has promoted Chatham Docks as part of the Call for Sites consultation for residential use stating that the existing dock operation is unviable. This is incorrect.

Evidence has been submitted to the Council on behalf of Arcelor Mittal – long leaseholders at the docks - and confirms that Chatham Docks is viable and has an important and significant role in Medway and the South-East. In particular, the submitted economic and financial assessment of Chatham Docks by Independent Port Consultants concludes that ‘in view of the cost estimate, financial viability and impact on jobs and revenue if the operation is made to close, ending the operation to render the land available for alternative uses does not make economic sense.’

ArcelorMittal also submitted representations to the Call for Sites consultation requesting that Chatham Docks be retained as a working, vibrant dock and be promoted for development for continued port use in line with current Local Plan policies ED1 – Existing Employment Areas and Policy E9 – Chatham Docks.

Chatham Docks is a thriving industrial dock. The docks employ over 800 people – many of whom are local. There are also existing jobs in the supply chains. Overall, there are over 2000 jobs dependent on the docks.

There are approximately 180 ship movements a year taking advantage of the non-tidal docks – it is a very sustainable operation taking full advantage of the Dockside access. The dock use cannot be re-located, there is no other suitable site in Medway for its operation.

The Local Plan cannot state in one place that it will support local businesses and existing employment, but then designate a thriving business employing many local people for housing development where the existing use will then be lost.

Chatham Docks must continue to be both supported and protected in the new Local Plan and not allowed to be lost to the detriment of people living within this Borough and their jobs at the docks.