In view of damage to Local Economy, MP urges SEEDA to reconsider support for KIG

Hugh Robertson, the Member of Parliament for Mid Kent, the Constituency in which the proposed KIG development is sited, has written formally to The Chief Executive of SEEDA asking her to reconsider SEEDA's support for KIG.

His letter follows the welcome news that SEEDA is looking again at the issue following the receipt of further information from Maidstone Borough Council’s own Consultants.

Hugh Robertson said, “SEEDA remains the only political body that is currently in favour of the KIG development. I would like to see that changed before the Public Inquiry.

I am encouraged that SEEDA is reviewing its position following a report from Maidstone Borough Council’s Consultants. In my view, the argument that this would bring economic benefits to the area was comprehensively dismantled at the Planning meeting. Indeed, it was far from clear that this is about a rail freight depot at all.

There is now a window of opportunity before The Public Inquiry opens in October. I hope that SEEDA will conclude that this is not a good scheme for Maidstone’s economy and change its stance.”