The controversial development, which also includes a housing development of 500 homes that rises to 11 storeys in height and proposal to drive a road through the centre of Dartford’s municipal park, was called in by the Deputy Prime Minister, John Prescott, in May.

The application was originally approved by the Conservative controlled Dartford Borough Council in August 2004, despite considerable opposition from the public and Dr Stoate, who presented a 15,000 signature petition to the Council opposing the road through the park.

Dr Stoate, who lobbied hard for the call-in, is leading the case against the application at the inquiry. Commenting on the proposal he said:

“This is an ill-conceived and poorly designed application that will have a devastating impact on our park and the viability of Dartford’s existing retail centre. Dartford’s high street has been struggling for many years and there is no doubt that we need new development if we are to inject fresh life into it: this development is not the answer however. A Tesco development on this scale – which will be one of the largest Tesco superstores in the country – will simply wipe out the competition in the town centre. How can existing retailers, even the major high street names, possibly compete with a megastore of this nature, which is TWICE the size of the biggest existing supermarket in North Kent?”

“The aspect of the application which has prompted the greatest anger and concern amongst residents however is the road through the park. The road will destroy the character and appearance of a much loved park that has been used by generations of Dartford families: It will also carve the park in two and make it a less safe and less desirable place to visit. It would be a disaster for the town and its residents if it went ahead.”

Notes