Paramount Park: Simpsons Removals and Storage in Swanscombe says it wants compensation if forced to move by major tourist attraction

A removals and storage company has appealed to Paramount Park's developers to pay compensation if the project needs to take over its land.

Founded in 1979, Simpsons has been based at Manor Way Business Park, in Swanscombe, for a decade and sits right on the edge of the peninsula on which the resort hopes to build.

The company spent £2million on its premises, to which it was forced to move after its base at Northfleet Industrial Estate was knocked down when the high-speed rail link was constructed.

Simpsons Removals and Storage's base at Manor Way Business Park in Swanscombe
Simpsons Removals and Storage's base at Manor Way Business Park in Swanscombe

Managing director and founder Barry Simpson spoke to London Resort Company Holdings director Fenlon Dunphy on the opening day of the public consultation at Ebbsfleet Academy.

He said: "I don't want these big boys walking all over us without us getting compensated for having to move.

"When the tunnel came through, it came across the Northfleet Industrial Estate. Two units had to be knocked down out of 50 and we had one of them.

"All we want is to be assured that we won't be walked over without being compensated properly."

Graphic showing how the Paramount Park development on Swanscombe Peninsula might look
Graphic showing how the Paramount Park development on Swanscombe Peninsula might look

Mr Simpson, 66, employs about 40 people at the site, including his son, daughter and a granddaughter.

The company stores 1,500 containers in its warehouse unit and provides home and business removal services throughout the UK and Europe.

"Paramount Park is definitely on. Planning will go in and they will have rubber stamped it before they open the envelopes..." - Simpsons managing director Barry Simpson

Should Mr Simpson's company be forced to move – which he believes is a certainty – he aims to stay reasonably local.

He said: "We hope to sell up to these people but we want to stay local for our staff's benefit. Some have been with us for 30 years.

"We have a great site now. If we could pick it up and move it we would because it's perfect.

"Paramount Park is definitely on. Planning will go in and they will have rubber stamped it before they open the envelopes."

Despite the potential disruption to his firm, Mr Simpson supports the £2bn scheme.

He said: "It's brilliant. We need something down this way because everything else is up in London.

"I can imagine people coming down by boat for the day and going back in the evening."

London Resort Company Holdings director Fenlon Dunphy said: "We look forward to sitting down with land owners inside the proposed site and where appropriate, those adjacent, to have sensible talks about what the project could mean for them."

Close This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies.Learn More