Representation by Kent Fire and Rescue Service (Kent Fire and Rescue Service)
- Date submitted
- 29 March 2021
- Submitted by
- Non-statutory organisations
The Kent and Medway Fire and Rescue Authority (KMFRA) understands that the proposed plan for the resort includes a range of event spaces, themed rides and attractions, entertainment venues, theatres and cinemas developed in two phases, known as Gate One and Gate Two. In addition there will be four hotels, a combined conference and convention centre, up to 500 dwellings for resort staff. KMFRA makes no specific comment on the general concept of a leisure and entertainment resort as set out in the proposed plan. It is the view of KMFRA that we are only able to make comment in areas that overlap with our statutory duties. Consequently, at this point we have no specific objections to the proposal as presented. Any objections that we may choose to raise in the future will be based on careful consideration of the material presented the developers and will be made within the context of our obligations under the Fire and Rescue Services Act 2004, the Civil Contingencies Act 2004, the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, and the County of Kent Act 1981. At this early stage we will offer the general observation that, given the proposed size and scale of this resort, it will present a significant increase in our risk profile. This will require the development of response plans for the site which are proportionate to the risk of fire and fire spread, technical and water rescue and possibly medical response. The level of risk – which, in general terms, may be considered as a function of the size and scale of the resort – also means that KMFRA will need to ensure that these response plans are adequately resourced. As a result, we are of the reasonably held view that the presence of this resort will require a significant additional resource commitment for KMFRA in order to ensure that the response plans can be adequately resourced. Finally, we would also offer the view that any development will need to consider the proposed legislation set out in the forthcoming Building and Fire Safety Bills along with amendments to the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.