A wave of fresh planning applications has reached Gravesham Borough Council this week. Proposals include a move to turn town centre offices into flats, essential repairs for a historic Cobham pub, and an escalating row over a massive development in Northfleet.
While many of these bids focus on simple residential upgrades, environmental concerns are currently overshadowing a major 3,500-home project near the Britannia Refined Metals refinery.
Converting office space into town centre homes
Gravesend’s town centre is seeing a shift from commercial to residential use. At 195 Parrock Street, developers have submitted a bid to convert a mid-terrace building into four self-contained flats.
The proposal involves more than just a change of use. To make the property fit for modern living, the applicant wants to install a light well at the basement level. This would affect both the front and rear elevations. Other planned works include the removal of an old chimney stack and the replacement of existing windows.
Repurposing these underused office spaces is part of a broader strategy. By building on previously developed land, the council hopes to hit local housing targets without encroaching on the green belt.
Heritage work at The Ship Inn
In the village of Cobham, The Ship Inn is entering a period of restoration. Because the building dates back several centuries, any changes require careful planning. The latest applications suggest a focus on internal alterations and essential repairs to keep the pub viable for the future.
Preservation efforts are also stretching across the village. For instance, the Grade II listed village pump wall on The Street is undergoing its own set of repairs.
Small-scale domestic changes are also on the cards for residents. At 34 The Street, a homeowner has applied to turn a garage into a living room and build a replacement garage elsewhere on the site. These projects show that demand for space remains high in the borough’s rural areas.
The clash between industry and housing at Northfleet
The most difficult case for Gravesham planners remains the Northfleet Harbourside project. This huge redevelopment aims to deliver 3,500 homes and a new stadium for Ebbsfleet United Football Club. However, its proximity to the Britannia Refined Metals (BRM) refinery has sparked a major dispute.
Environmental fears
Britannia Refined Metals has issued a stark warning to a public inquiry, describing the area as a “lead pollution hotspot.” As one of the largest lead processors in Europe, the firm argued that building thousands of homes so close to industrial stacks is risky.
They were particularly critical of plans for community orchards and allotments. The refinery called the idea “irresponsible” because of the potential for lead to settle in the soil where food is grown.
The developer’s response
In response, the team behind Northfleet Harbourside has pushed back. They told the inquiry that the refinery’s objections were mostly “technical and operational points.” From the developer’s perspective, there is no reason why new residents and the refinery cannot coexist safely.
With the national housing crisis worsening, they argue that bold projects like this one are exactly what the region needs to meet government building targets.
Other local updates
- Higham: Owners of Filborough Farm on Lower Higham Road want to repair timber windows and update their kitchen.
- Meopham: A homeowner on Silver Birch Avenue is seeking permission for a single-storey side and rear extension.
- Town Centre: At 26 King Street, planners are looking at internal staircase changes and new signage.
What happens next?
The public consultation period is currently active. For the Parrock Street flats, residents have until today, 6 February, to have their say. Other applications, like the one in Meopham, remain open for comments until 20 February.
The final word on the Northfleet Harbourside project will not come from local councillors. Because of its size, the case has been “called in” for review. This means the Planning Inspectorate and central government will decide its fate. A final verdict is expected later this year.
