CONTROVERSIAL town regeneration plans, which include the building of a road through Central Park, have been given the go-ahead despite protests.

The £94 million plan which includes around 500 homes, a Tesco hypermarket in Lowfield Street, pedestrianisation of Lowfield and Market Streets, a medical centre, shops, cafes and restaurants was passed after a hotly-contested five-hour debate at Dartford Civic Centre.

But the opposition already shown by the Save The Park campaign's petition's 13,000 signatures and public protests was clearly visible, with all 80 public seats taken inside and around 40 protesters forcing a 15-minute suspension of the meeting because of their noise outside.

Deputy council leader Councillor Jeremy Kite said afterwards: "Taking the decision to put a road through the park was the most difficult decision many of us have taken. But we must now all move on to create what we all want to see the best possible result for Dartford."

But Save the Park campaigner Dave Russell, 63, of Heather Drive, Dartford, who protested outside the civic centre said: "It doesn't stop here."

Everybody agreed the town desperately needs regeneration but residents at the meeting and shadow Labour councillors voiced concern over traffic plans, the scale and, most particularly, the park road.

The council report included opposition from English Heritage and concern from the Highways Agency over possible congestion problems.

Shadow leader Councillor John Muckle said: "The development doesn't need the road through the park to be successful. It's a sacred asset and it should be safeguarded."

But director of developer St James's Investments Christopher Borkowski said pedestrianising Market and Lowfield Streets and building the park road would make it easier for people to reach the rest of the town centre to ensure other traders benefit.

And traffic consultant Philip Rust explained the park road would be designed to ensure safety, and was an alternative to the Market and Lowfield Street junction, which sees above average numbers of accidents.

With Conservative councillor Derek Hunnisett saying: "Half measures won't get the results we want", Cllr Kite added Central Park's size would double by taking over GlaxoSmithKlein's 35 acres across the River Darent and the four acres which are currently owned by the veterans' Glentworth Club.

Labour complained some of the decisions were being delegated to officers instead of councillors but regeneration director Rob Scott said it was common practice.

The plans will also mean the compulsory purchase and demolition of some buildings, including Darent Suite, in High Street, and alterations to the neighbouring Grade II listed Acacia Hall.

This outline application means the finer details of each aspect of the plan will be dealt with later at future council meetings.

Independent councillors Martin Murphy and Brian Fitzpatrick supported the plan, stating it was a case of balancing the pros and cons for the long-term future of the borough.

Slamming the council for not listening to residents, Dartford MP Dr Howard Stoate says he will discuss the decision with ministers because it clashes with Government policy concerning public parks.