RESIDENTS are being urged to fight a £120m regeneration of Gravesend’s heritage quarter by speaking at a public inquiry.

Campaign group Urban Gravesham is asking people to share their views on developer Edinburgh House’s proposal at the inquiry which runs from September 6 to September 16.

The inquiry follows Edinburgh House’s appeal to the Secretary of State over Gravesham Council’s rejection of its application last September.

Councillors rejected the plans on the grounds it was too large, but the developer believes the proposal was in line with the council’s planning guidelines.

Urban Gravesham vice-chairman Martin McKay is looking for residents to give a short presentation on why the development is inappropriate.

So far, 30 residents have volunteered to speak.

Mr McKay said: “It is the final fight to save Gravesend.

“You don’t have to be a professional - the most important thing is that local people are prepared to speak up and tell the government inspector what Gravesend means to them and why the scheme is wrong.

“It’s doing a civic duty for the sake of the town.”

A spokesman for Edinburgh House says the developer is hopeful for a positive outcome at the inquiry.

He said: “The forthcoming planning inquiry is a chance for our proposals to be considered again in an objective and rational manner.

“We remain confident in our proposals and in our grounds for appeal and stand by our belief that the application submitted matches the council’s own development brief and represents the best solution for the regeneration of Gravesend.

“We are hopeful of a positive outcome, along with many other residents and businesses who support the numerous physical and economic benefits associated with our plans."

For more information on how to be a witness for Urban Gravesham, email info@urbangravesham.co.uk or call 01474 566701.

What is in the planning application? The planning application by Edinburgh House includes provision for 400 flats, a hotel, restaurant and leisure facilities, shops and offices.

It also includes two new public squares, a new hall for St George’s Church as well as improvements to the surrounding gardens, and a bus lane from West Street to Harmer Street.