PLANS to expand Bluewater by a fifth and create up to 2,300 jobs have been given the go-ahead - despite strong opposition from Gravesham Council.

The local authority fears the ambitious project could put off retailers from signing up to Gravesend’s Heritage Quarter, a £120m scheme aimed at bringing much needed jobs, flats and retail space to the town centre.

Dartford Council dismissed the concerns and granted outline planning permission to Bluewater’s proposals during a meeting on Thursday, May 16.

Part of the report by Gravesham Council read: "By approving significant floorspace in excess of the planned growth at Bluewater would send entirely the wrong signals to the market and reduce the prospects for securing new retailers in Gravesend needed to bring the Heritage Quarter development forward."

However, Dartford Council leader Councillor Jeremy Kite told News Shopper: "I am very surprised Gravesham made those points.

"It was only a couple of weeks ago they approved the Heritage Quarter by one vote.

"Now they’re suddenly saying Bluewater expanding by a few shops could cause irreparable damage. I don’t think it’s right and you can’t take that view.

"I’m very pleased it’s expanding. It’s very popular and it’s growth and will give more jobs to local people."

The plans have divided opinion among traders and shoppers in Gravesend and Dartford.

Could kill trade in Gravesend

Florist Sophie Card, 22, from McKenzie Way, Gravesend, said: "I'm a florist so I'm more of a specialist but for other people in the market, it will definitely kill them off.

"Places like Bluewater have the majority of customers and people would rather go to just one place than travel."

Retro clothes dealer Emma Lowe, 41, from Medhurst Crescent, Gravesend, does not think it will make much difference.

She said: "Unfortunately, Gravesend gave up the ghost as soon as Bluewater was built."

Meanwhile the owner of a clothing shop in Dartford town centre believes the area’s trade has hit rock bottom.

John Insole, 65, who runs Squires Menswear in Spital Road, said: "Dartford is at its lowest ebb and can't get much lower so I don't think it will effect it.

More jobs

"If it brings some more jobs to the area, excellent."

The outline plans involve demolishing part of the West Village and building 30,500 sqm of extra floor space and altering the lake.

However, the number of parking spaces and access site will remain the same.

Dartford Council’s development control board committee approved the proposals, subject to a legal agreement, which includes a sizeable contribution towards the £58.5m cost of improving the Bean and A2 junction and the St Clements Way and London Road junction.

Robert Goodman, Bluewater’s general manager, said: "The council’s approval is an important milestone in the continued evolution of Bluewater, the creation of further employment opportunities, and the economic growth of North Kent.

"The focus will now be on developing the proposals over the coming months."

What do shoppers in Gravesend and Dartford think?

Sarah Harrison, 32, housewife, from Brent Close, Dartford:"Not providing more car parking spaces might be a problem, especially around Christmas."

Danny Townsend, 25, training supervisor, from Carisbrook Court, Dartford: "I think it might bring more people passing through Dartford and bring people from London down here as well."

Cally Dodson, 23, accounts assistant, from Dover Road, Northfleet: "Love the idea of Bluewater expanding. I'm really happy to shop, I'm a big, big shopper."

Nav Dhinsa, 36, HR assistant, from Wellington Street, Gravesend: "For a town like Gravesend, lots of shops might shut. There are a lot of empty shops, it's a bit of a ghost town."