PLANS for a giant Homebase store in Northfleet are going ahead – despite fierce opposition by councillors.

The planning committee at Gravesham Borough Council originally rejected the 2006 application following concerns about traffic and the impact of another out-of-town retail outlet on commerce in Gravesend town centre.

However, Chinacorp Seven Ltd, the company behind the application, won on appeal following a planning inquiry.

The legal process cost Gravesham council £225,000, and it now has no choice but to let the scheme go ahead.

A recent regulatory board meeting had to approve design issues, including where the car park will be positioned on the site on land south of Wingfield Bank.

A spokesman for Chinacorp said the development would create 70 jobs.