Developer Peel Waters has cleared the final planning hurdle for its business park proposal at Chatham Docks in Kent.

The final planning clearance by Medway Council after the Secretary of State decided not to call in the scheme means steel producer ArcelorMittal will now have to shut its major rebar facility supplying 30% of UK needs.

The dockside factory sits on land forming part of the 18 acre waterfront industrial estate being readied for regeneration.

The steel giant had claimed that it had no viable alternative sites in southern England – the location closest to greatest level of demand.

ArcelorMittal rebar fabrication facility

Matthew Brooks, managing director of ArcelorMittal Kent Wire, has previously written to the Government warning ArcelorMittal would be left with no alternative but to leave Chatham Docks and, more than likely, cease operations in Britain, given the lack of suitable alternative sites.

The forced closure would lead to the loss of 800 direct jobs.

Peel Waters dockside business park plan

Peel Waters confirmed it would now advance proposals to build 31,000m² of adaptable workspace, eventually tripling the number of jobs on site.

Its Basin3 business park scheme will improve flood resilience along the waterfront, and all the new buildings will utilise green technology and be at the cutting edge of energy efficiency.

James Whittaker, managing director at Peel Waters, said: “Basin3 will provide a fantastic opportunity for employment and growth in Medway and we are really pleased with the decision from both Medway Council’s Planning Committee to approve the application and the government’s decision to not call-in this development.

“This decision means we can now focus on delivering Basin3, working with our partners to build a high-quality, sustainable employment campus that will complement the surrounding business, educational and residential communities.

“By having outline planning permission for this brownfield site, it builds a stronger case to attract in both prospective employers and inward investment.”