Step forward for major Ebbsfleet development

Plans for a major mixed-use development earmarked for the heart of Ebbsfleet Garden City have taken their latest step forward.The Ebbsfleet Development Corporation is behind the proposals, with the group intending to submit an outline application.Dubbed Ebbsfleet Central, it is being designed as a “dynamic urban centre with a commercial core supported by quality homes, community and cultural facilities”.Lined up is demolishing the existing car parking, structures and station forecourt at the site, and bringing forward a residential scheme, commercial and office space, restaurants and cafes, nurseries, healthcare facilities, flexible learning area and a hotel.There would also be provisions for co-living and student accommodation, a theatres and a cinema, alongside a River Park.The proposed scheme will be seeking permission for a maximum development area of up to 5.2 million sq ft of Gross Internal Area (GIA).Anticipated timescales would see demolition and enabling works carried out in 2024/25 and construction taking place in 2027/28.Ahead of the outline plans being submitted, an environmental impact assessment (EIA) scoping report, the purpose of which is to document the scoping exercise that has been undertaken to identify the nature and extent of the likely significant environmental effects of the proposed development.The scoping report has proposed that a host of topics are drawn into the EIA, including air quality, biodiversity, water environment and heritage, among others.The formal scoping opinion is now set to be prepared by this month, with a submission of the Environmental Statement alongside the actual planning application lined up for May 2022.