Out-Law / Your Daily Need-To-Know

The UK government has called in developer Land Securities' application for a 5,000-home mixed-use development at a site of special scientific interest (SSSI) at Lodge Hill in Kent.

The Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) said it a statement that ministers have notified Land Securites, Medway Council and local MPs that they will decide on the planning application.

Medway Council resolved in September last year to approve the plans, although they had been met with opposition from local people and environmental groups. The site had been designated as an SSSI by government conservation adviser Natural England prior to the Council's decision, due to the presence of a nationally significant population of nightingales and the presence of special grassland and woodland.

The government subsequently issued an article 25 direction prohibiting the Council from granting planning permission until the government had decided whether to call the application in.

In addition to homes, the proposals for the 700 acre site include the provision of 44,100 square metres of business space, 5,321 sq m for retail use and two hotels. Three primary schools, a secondary school, health and community centres, assisted living accommodation and a nursing home are also planned under the scheme.

DCLG said it will hold a public inquiry into the application and issue a decision following consideration of the inspector's report.

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