Gravesham’s heritage is under threat by Conservatives in Gravesham. Kathryn Smith, Labour’s Parliamentary candidate has spoken out against the planning proposal for a 32 storey Tower Block on Gravesend’s historical waterfront.

While supporting the need for regeneration in this area of the town, Kathryn Smith has condemned the tower block and its impact on the local area. It is clearly a massive over-development of the site. The former Labour controlled Council supported regeneration of the town centre along sympathetic lines. However, since last May the Tory Council appears to have been working with the developers on a planning application, which will seriously damage the ambitions for the heritage quarter. “Everywhere I go, people are talking of their fears that the Tory-led Council will give consent to this enormous 32-storey Sky Scraper on the waterfront in Gravesend.” She said.

In addition, the Council have released the developers from an undertaking to include affordable housing in the scheme. The Tower block will now consist of luxury flats, most of which will be beyond the financial means of local people.