A MULTI-MILLION pound retail development scheme in Dartford has been given the go ahead by councillors.

Plans to knock down stores such as B&Q, MFI and Rosebys in Prospect Place and build 14 new units, four restaurants and a health and fitness centre were agreed at a heated council meeting last week.

The scheme aims to "increase the quantity and quality of retail provision in the area" and includes 650 car parking spaces.

Despite concerns about the "starkness of the architecture" and the closeness of car parking spaces to the Tudor Manor Gatehouse, the proposals got a majority vote after a one and half hour debate.

Many councillors argued the plans would be in Dartford's "commercial interest" because they will keep retail stores in the town centre.

Now final approval has to be sought from the Secretary of State and if all goes to plan, work will start in May 2002.

Chairman of the development control board meeting Councillor Paul James said: "This is the scheme we'll have to agree if we want stores like B&Q to stay in the town centre.

"It's as good as it's going to get and it's better than what we've got at the moment. If we do want this kind of retail development in the town then we have to accept the architectural consequences."

December 19, 2001 16:30