The government has blocked plans to build a £100 million renewable energy plant in Swanscombe.

The proposal to build the facility on two hectares of land in Manor Way, drawn up by Teal Energy, was approved by Kent County Council’s planning committee on September 10.

But on Friday (October 31) the decision was called in by the Department for Communities and Local Government, over concerns the plant would interfere with plans for both Ebbsfleet Garden City and Paramount Park. 

The principal reason for the move by secretary of state Eric Pickles is to consider "the likely implications of the proposed development on the wider policy initiatives in the area".

This refers to plans to build 15,000 homes in the Ebbsfleet valley and a £2 billion theme park and entertainment complex on the Swanscombe peninsula.

Dartford MP Gareth Johnson said: "I welcome the decision to call this matter in and I maintain that Kent County Council’s decision to grant planning permission was wrong.

"I hope ultimately that KCC’s decision is overturned and consequently the theme park can go ahead and this potential barrier will be removed."

News Shopper:

The site as it looks today.

A small group of other residents and councillors had expressed concerns the plant, which will produce energy from 250,000 tonnes of non-recyclable commercial waste a year if built, would cause roads to be clogged by HGVs.

But Teal Energy director Paul Sadler told News Shopper: "This is extremely disappointing and further jeopardises the UK’s energy security for the future. 

"Kent Highways stated that deliveries to and from the site would have no significant impact on the local road network.

"It is hard to consider the Teal Energy proposal conflicts with either the aims or practicality of the proposed garden city and regeneration of the surrounding area. 

"It is situated in an ideal isolated location cut off from the residential proposals and providing an immediate encouragement for the redevelopment of the local area.

"I am confident common sense will prevail."

An inspector will now be appointed to carry out an inquiry into the plans for the facility before a final decision is made by the secretary of state.

He will have the power to reverse KCC's approval and stop the plant being built in its current form. 

It could be up to two years before a ruling is made.