The go-ahead could be given for the first part of the £650 million Chatham Docks project this week, a development which could eventually provide up to 3,500 jobs.

Councillors will vote on the Peel Land and Property’s plans on Wednesday, after rejecting them earlier this year.

The original blueprint for the first part of the 26-acre site in Pier Road, Gillingham, included an Asda supermarket, petrol station, park, pub/restaurant and a coffee shop.

The last two have been removed from the resubmitted application, after criticism that they would look out of place. The land has been marked for future development instead.

The dock wall to the east of the land, which separates it from the Victory Pier development and Liberty Quays student accommodation, was also a point of contention for councillors.
Plans to knock down parts of it and build paths connecting the two areas drew scorn, so Peel has decided to retain an increased portion of it.

Council officers have recommended that the application be approved. The rest of the development will include a conference centre, shops, homes, office space and university facilities.