Kent Science Park

Policy Regen 4

Kent Science Park is identified as one of the Borough’s existing strategic employment locations, although it employees a relatively small number of people.  

Located in the rural area south of Sittingbourne, the Kent Science Park has developed across 26 hectares and comprises around 47,000 sq. m. of laboratory, research and development facilities.

Part of the site’s unique attraction is its scenic countryside location. It is close to local biodiversity designations and national and local designated landscapes (Kent Downs AONB and Area of High Landscape Value). These designations, together with the nature and character of residential streets and rural lanes that lead to the site also mean that opportunities for expansion at this location are limited and require careful consideration.

The local plan policy supports proposals that are compatible or complementary with the use of the site as a ‘Science Park’ as defined by the UK Science Park Association. Any future needs at this location should first consider the efficient use of existing land and buildings (including consented land and land and buildings within the current security fence). In terms of any expansion proposals, including those beyond the security fence and consented land, environmental and transport constraints must be addressed in full given the remote and sensitive location of this specialist facility.

Proposals to extend development beyond the existing boundary will need to demonstrate that there is no reasonable prospect of the development needs being met within the site through redevelopment or reconfiguration. As well as satisfying the above criteria, proposals shall additionally demonstrate that the current level of sport facilities and provision will be maintained and the development will take place in accordance with an overall landscape and ecological strategy and framework that ensures both the mitigation of impacts on designated sites and their setting, and the continuance of a high quality environment for the site and its wider environs.

The track record speaks for itself.

1. Failed to build the new arrivals building for which the planning application has now expired
2. Failed to build the bio-accelerator units promised following a grant of £1.3 million from the government.
3. Failed to make a go of the Kent Science Park resource centre who's publicly financed assets were quickly sold to Kent University who then took over the running of the unit.
4. Failed to do anything with the 4 hectare expansion for which the park has had planning permission since March 2010
5. Failed to develop Ecologia international headquarters
6. Failed to develop product manufacturing facility for GW Pharmaceuticals

You can read an in-depth article on the failed Kent Science Park expansion projects here