Ministers pave the way for Chatham Docks plan that will deal a blow to the steel giant

The government has chosen not to intervene in proposals to close and redevelop part of Chatham Docks in Kent; The plan has prompted one of the world’s biggest steel companies to previously warn it could lead to one of its divisions leaving the UK.

Sky News has seen a letter from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) informing Medway Council that it has decided not to take the application from Peel Waters and instead allows the application to be determined by the local authority.

Medway Council recommended the plan be approved, which prompted ArcelorMittal to take action. warn in may Closing the Docks “could have seismic negative consequences (for) the British economy and many strategic industries”.

The letter, dated October 25, states that the decision not to intervene was made by MHCLG parliamentary undersecretary Rushanara Ali on behalf of the housing minister and deputy prime minister. Angela Rayner.

ArcelorMittal’s UK construction solutions chief Matthew Brooks wrote: michael goveIn May the then housing secretary to inform the government that if the plan was approved the company would leave the site and “will likely cease operations in the UK due to the lack of suitable alternative sites”.

In a letter to Medway Council, an official from MCHLG’s planning social work unit said Ms Rayner had “carefully considered the policy regarding the submission of planning applications as set out in the Written Ministerial Statement dated 26 October 2012”.

“The policy makes clear that the power to bring a case will only be exercised in a very selective manner.

“This policy also gives examples of the types of issues that may lead to a conclusion that an application should be made.

“The Secretary of State has decided not to make this application.

“He is pleased that this has been determined by the local planning authority.”

ArcelorMittal, one of the site’s tenants, uses it to supply reinforced steel to the UK construction industry, employing dozens of people there.

Overall, more than 1,400 people work in the ports and the local supply chain.

Peel Waters said it would build thousands of homes in the region.

In a statement issued in response to an inquiry from Sky News, Mr Brooks said: “We can confirm that we have received a letter from the government stating that the future of Chatham Docks is a local planning decision to be made solely by Medway Council.

“We are extremely surprised by this view, given the importance of the Docks to the entire steel and construction industries, and are considering our next steps in this regard, given the potential damage to the economy that the closure of the Docks will cause.

Ms. Rayner’s department has been contacted for comment.

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