- A proposed 3,500-home housing development in Gravesham, Kent, has been paused due to concerns over dangerous lead pollution from an adjacent refinery.
- Britannia Refined Metals (BRM), the refinery owner, claims the site is a "lead pollution hotspot" and warns there is "no safe level for exposure to lead", particularly for children.
- Developers Northfleet Harbourside dismiss these warnings, arguing the scheme and refinery can coexist and that the project is vital for addressing the national housing crisis on brownfield land.
- The project, which includes commercial space, a hotel, and a football stadium, was initially granted planning permission but is now under review following a planning inquiry.
- The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government will make a final decision on the controversial development after the inquiry delivers its findings.
