Kent International Gateway

  • RBA Client:Maidstone Borough Council
  • Project Size:1,000,000m²
  • Start Date:August 2007
  • Completion Date:August 2010

Kent International Gateway (KIG) was a proposed logistics hub and strategic rail-freight interchange (SRFI) next to the M20 motorway, due East of Maidstone.  The project was controversial as the development was to be located in a Special Landscape Area close to several historic villages and many residential areas.

The proposed rail freight interchange would have the potential for widespread environmental impacts.  As part of the planning application, the developers submitted an Environmental Statement to Maidstone Borough Council.  RBA were employed by the Local Authority to assist their appraisal of the planning application, potentially leading to further involvement throughout any subsequent public enquiry.

There are numerous acoustic issues associated with a scheme as large and as diverse as a SRFI.  These include the effects of noise and vibration from the container hub, road and rail movements on the transport networks and also throughout the construction of the scheme.

In order to accurately appraise the scheme, RBA undertook additional baseline noise monitoring around the development site and conducted our own noise and vibration assessment, which included measurements of an existing SRFI.  This enabled us to assist the Local Authority in reaching a decision as to whether the initial planning application was accepted or rejected.  Following the council’s decision to reject the application, we were retained to provide expert witness representation.  

Following a public inquiry that ended in December 2009, the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government rejected the proposal on 5 August 2010.