Plans for a huge development of Estuary View Business Park are yet to be rubber-stamped after a public consultation revealed a “number of issues” with the proposal.

Developers behind the plans hope to build a new hospital, nursing home and three retail stores including an Aldi supermarket on the site off the Thanet Way.

But after a public consultation ended, a number of representations were received and Canterbury City Council has given the development’s applicant an opportunity to address the issues, agreeing an extension of time until Thursday, April 30.

It means a second public consultation could take place after the issues have been addressed.

Whitstable businessman George Wilson is behind the mixed development scheme with Kimberley Developments.

He said: “The extension of time will give everybody a chance to address the queries.
“We are just trying to address the various questions.

“We will have addressed them all by the end of April.

“It’s what you would expect. This is just standard procedure.

“It’s normal planning. Very seldom do you get it rubber-stamped on the first time through.”

Whitstable’s chamber of commerce is concerned the development would create more traffic and another supermarket on the outskirts would drive visitors away from the town centre.

But the chamber’s president, Brian Hitcham, is pleased another public consultation could be in the offing.

He said: “Until it is thrown out we are still concerned.

“But it’s good to get more information and for time to be given to get more information so everybody is looking at the correct facts and figures.

“People can then make a proper judgement on those facts and figures.

“The council is talking about the fact that it will go out to a public consultation and it would be good if it does and it’s a proper consultation.

"Until it is thrown out we are still concerned..." - Brian Hitcham

“It will give people time to give their views.”

Mr Hitcham raised concerns the previous public meeting to discuss the development lacked a big turn-out.

He said: “Last time there was an afternoon presentation down at a church in Seasalter so it was not the best time to get business people there. I wasn’t able to get there myself.

“I think this thing has a potentially big impact in the town and it needs to be properly presented so people can comment sensibly on it.”

Canterbury City Council spokesman Rob Davies said: “Following the completion of the consultation period, a number of representations were received, including those from technical bodies, that highlighted a number of issues that needed to be addressed.

“We have gone back to the applicant and given them the opportunity to address these issues and have agreed an extension of time until 30 April 2015.

“Once any additional information or amendments are received it is likely that a further consultation will be carried out.”