RESPONSES to plans for the massive Eastern Quarry development will be put before council leaders.

Dartford Council's cabinet is due to meet tomorrow (Thursday) night to discuss the results of its consultation exercise about the proposed "urban village" scheme.

Out of several hundred planning briefs issued to individuals, parishes and community groups in March, 35 were returned which the council says represents a normal response rate.

Texan design guru Eric Kuhne, whose Bluewater shopping centre sits in a similar chalk pit to Eastern Quarry, has been tasked with masterminding the development. Mr Kuhne promised News Shopper he will be coming up with some "mind blowing" designs.

It is hoped up to 15,000 people will live in the housing complex, which could also have eight new schools, leisure centres and shops.

It has been suggested part of the square mile hole will be flooded to create a lake and the land re-profiled to form a safe, sustainable environment.

Eastern Quarry will be served by the Fastrack public transport system, which will link Dartford and Gravesend through Bluewater and Darent Valley Hospital.

Once cabinet members have had their say, the proposals will go to a full council meeting on July 22 for changes.

July 9, 2002 12:30