Q1: Did the application take longer than expected?

A1: Ordinarily a major mixed use town centre application of this size and complexity will typically take around 2 years to complete, therefore we can conclude our timescale as being extremely fast.

Q2: Are you confident the application will be granted consent?

A2: The extensive design work and technical assessments undertaken provide significant support for the proposals. The proposals will bring substantial regeneration benefits to Gravesend and will respond to the Council’s Development Brief and the Government’s objectives for the Thames Gateway.

Q3: What are the next steps following planning permission?

A3: Once consent is granted, we will turn our attention to appointing a contractor to start the project in the spring of 2009, in conjunction with progressing the detailed design of the western quarter.

Q4: Can you be confident of selling all the flats in the current climate?

A4: In the current climate sales would undoubtedly be difficult, although given the first phase will not be completed until early 2011, we anticipate both sales and the economy will have recovered sufficiently to ensure the viability of the scheme.

Q5: How much social housing will be provided?

A5: Our application complies with the LA policy of 30%, this being made up of 10% on site and 20% by way of a commuted sum for off-site houses so that the development facilitates range of housing types to meet the housing needs of the Borough.

Q6: Are any transport improvements planned?

A6: Yes, the introduction of a dedicated bus lane from Crooked Lane to the Clock Tower at the end of Harmer Street, with a new bus stop located adjacent the St Andrews gardens and proposed leisure quarter. Additional pedestrian crossings on West Street and Crooked Lane will improve links to the river front. Also the town’s cycle route has been extended along the riverfront beside the St Andrews gardens.

Q7: How do you feel about the objection raised in the press?

A7: Any town centre development of this size in the UK will always meet with some opposition and Gravesend is no different. Whilst we respect their views, to date we have seen no technical or material argument to refuse the application. Also we should not forget that the feedback from the public exhibition concluded that the majority of the public are in favour of the proposals.

Q8: Will there be a loss of public space due to the landmark building being located on the Upper St Andrews Gardens?

A8: The introduction of new public spaces, such as the Town Square and Clarendon Lawn has resulted in an approximate 50% increase in public space, all of which will be delivered to a high quality given the substantial investment being made to improve these spaces.

Q9: Why is the landmark building appropriate for the Heritage Quarter?

A9: The landmark building is a strong and positive statement engendering civic pride and promoting a positive economic future for Gravesend by acting as a catalyst for the scheme, that will be of a very high architectural quality unique in its form and design approach.

Q10: How much car parking will be provided?

A10: In addition to replacing the current parking provisions on each site, and the required parking to satisfy the residential units, we are also providing over 300 additional public car parking spaces for the town.