The legal challenge targeted planning consent granted by Medway Council for the regeneration of the docks as part of Peel Waters’ Basin3 scheme – a proposed 31,000 sq m waterside campus.
ArcelorMittal Kent Wire, which operates a large rebar fabrication facility on the site, argued that repurposing the warehouses it leases would have “seismic adverse consequences” for British industry.
The firm warned that losing the base would force the closure of a plant supplying around 30% of the UK’s rebar needs.
ArcelorMittal rebar fabrication facility
The dockside factory sits within an 18-acre waterfront industrial estate now being readied for regeneration. ArcelorMittal claimed it had no viable alternative sites in southern England, arguing the Chatham location was uniquely placed close to its core customer base.
Matthew Brooks, managing director of ArcelorMittal Kent Wire, had previously written to the Government warning that the company would be left with no alternative but to exit Chatham Docks and, potentially, cease operations in Britain altogether due to the lack of suitable replacement sites.
The company has said the forced closure would result in the loss of up to 800 direct jobs.
Peel Waters dockside business park plan
Following the ruling, Peel Waters confirmed it will now press ahead with its plans to deliver 31,000 sq m of adaptable workspace under the Basin3 banner, with ambitions to eventually triple the number of jobs on the site.
The developer said the scheme will improve flood resilience along the waterfront, while new buildings will incorporate green technologies and high-performance energy-efficient design as part of the wider regeneration of Chatham Docks.
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Aaron Morby