The federal government has opted to not intervene in proposals to shut and redevelop a part of Chatham Docks in Kent, a scheme which one of many world’s largest metal corporations had beforehand warned might result in one among its divisions abandoning the UK.
Medway Council has already advisable the scheme for approval, which prompted ArcelorMittal to warn in Could that the Docks’ closure might have “seismic adverse consequences… [for] the British economy and multiple strategic industries”.
The letter, dated 25 October, says that the choice to not intervene was made by Rushanara Ali, parliamentary under-secretary at MHCLG, on behalf of housing secretary and deputy prime minister Angela Rayner.
ArcelorMittal’s UK building options chief, Matthew Brooks, wrote to Michael Gove, the then housing secretary, in Could to inform the federal government that if the scheme was authorised, the corporate would go away the location “and, more than likely, cease operations in Britain, given the lack of suitable alternative sites”.
Within the letter to Medway Council, an official on the planning casework unit of MCHLG stated Ms Rayner had “carefully considered policy on calling in planning applications, as set out in the Written Ministerial Statement dated 26 October 2012”.
“The coverage makes it clear that the facility to name in a case will solely be used very selectively.
“This policy also gives examples of the types of issues which may lead her to conclude, in her opinion that the application should be called in.
“The Secretary of State has determined to not name on this software.
“She is content that it should be determined by the local planning authority.”
ArcelorMittal, which is likely one of the tenants on the website, makes use of it to provide bolstered metal to the development business in Britain, and employs dozens of individuals there.
Greater than 1,400 folks total work on the Docks and within the native provide chain.
Peel Waters has stated it should construct hundreds of homes on the website.
“We’re extraordinarily shocked by this view given the importance of the Docks for all the metal and building sectors, and we at the moment are contemplating our subsequent steps on this matter given the potential harm the closure of the Docks will trigger to the economic system.
Ms Rayner’s division has been contacted for remark.
