Medway Local Plan (Regulation 18, 2024)

5.1 Introduction

5.1.1 The Council's vision is for Medway to be a location of quality development and correspondingly high-quality environments. This is key to fostering happier, healthier residents who are proud of their homes, towns and communities where they live. The Council will also seek to create a destination of choice to support businesses and employment creation.

5.1.2 New development should respect the area's heritage, reflecting distinctiveness across Medway, and conserving and enhancing valued aspects of the historic environment. Given the quality and diversity of Medway's heritage and the scale of development needed over the plan period, careful attention will be given to managing the historic environment and planning for high quality design.

5.2 High quality design

5.2.1 New development should provide high quality homes, employment and other activities in support of sustainable development for the long term. High quality design and attractive environments are key components of good planning; encouraging investment and economic development in an area, supporting wellbeing and social inclusion while helping to reinforce civic pride and community cohesion, along with providing and protecting an enduring built environment which people are proud of. Good design is therefore essential in achieving sustainable development and the objectives of this Plan.

5.2.2 Local Authorities are encouraged to prepare design codes to deliver quality and attractive environments. Medway Council has recently adopted a Chatham Design Code and the Star Hill to Sun Pier Development Framework. These two guidance documents set out detailed considerations without being overly prescriptive recognising the special characteristics of these localities and what they can offer in creating vibrancy and quality environments. Adherence to this guidance is vital for delivering quality environments in a holistic way rather than piecemeal developments that do not take account of visioning for the wider area.

5.2.3 The attractiveness of the Medway area (its public realm, appearance and offer) is fundamental in supporting and nurturing a stronger local economy. The Council will also seek to achieve its aims for Medway as a Dementia Friendly Community through consideration of accessible design principles in the public realm and new developments.

5.2.4 The scale and mix of growth proposed in the new Local Plan offers great opportunities to shape Medway's future success through excellent design that invests in infrastructure, streets, landscape, architecture and public realm and other community assets as place making, benefitting established places and creating attractive new development. The regeneration areas provide the basis for new and revitalised urban quarters and continuing the regeneration and revitalisation of our urban waterfront areas. Strategic allocations and sites in suburban and rural Medway will be required to realise the plan's ambitions for quality, attractive, sustainable development that respects the character of the surrounding landscapes and distinct identities of our communities.

5.2.5 Whilst the style of buildings and their adaptability are important considerations, setting is crucial, as is the fabric and landscapes to which buildings contribute. The creation of high quality, innovative and context sensitive design developments that are well integrated with their surroundings is a key aim of this Local Plan.

5.2.6 Medway has a distinct local character that is derived from its rich historic environment, fabric and landscapes among other attributes. This local character creates a unique sense of place that new development should strive to reveal, protect, enhance and make relevant. In considering the design of new development, regard should be given to heritage assets, their settings, the wider historic environment and appropriate use of local vernacular materials & motifs.

5.2.7 The natural environment and well-designed open spaces together with a high-quality public realm and pedestrian-focussed streets and spaces play an integral role in creating a successful place. The role of the existing topography and other natural assets, landscape, and features worthy of retention within the site should be fully considered from the outset of the design process with professional experts brought on board within design teams to inform work early in the design and pre-application dialogue process.

5.2.8 The NPPF places great emphasis on place making, beauty and quality design. This is reinforced by the aims and ambition of Medway Council. National planning policy requires good design as a key aspect of sustainable development. It directs local planning authorities to develop robust and comprehensive policies that set out the quality of development that will be expected for the area.

5.2.9 Additional design guidance such as site-specific development briefs, masterplans, Building Height / View Policies, supplementary planning documents, National Model Design Codes, National Design Guide, Conservation Area Appraisals, Conservation Area Design Guides, and the Kent Downs AONB Management Plan and supporting guidance should be consulted as part of the design process where appropriate.

5.2.10 Recent times have highlighted the need to create healthy places where people can spend considerable time living and working within their home but also enjoy surrounding streets and open spaces for the benefit of their own physical and mental health.

5.2.11 Much of Medway has a very built-up character in contrast to the rural Hoo Peninsula and Medway Valley, with varied character in between. A generic policy approach will not suffice as it will need to factor in the local context and dynamics. A sensitive approach is needed in creating sustainable and desirable communities and homes that respond to residents' needs.

5.2.12 Medway's built-up areas have limited green spaces, particularly in some locations, which are desirable for creating healthy and desirable places to live and work. Proposals will need to ensure these aspects are carefully factored in, in addressing Medway's needs.

5.3 Housing design

5.3.1 Achieving adequate residential standards remains a key planning objective for the Council, especially given the scale of growth envisaged for Medway. It is important that new development is designed to ensure long-term social and economic sustainability, continuing the quest for lifetime homes and to reduce future obsolescence in the face of changing economic, demographic and social trends.

5.3.2 The Impact Statement carried out with regard to the introduction of the Medway Housing Design Standards (MHDS) in 2011 provided evidence of the need for external space standards reflective of Medway's local context.

5.3.3 The Council will continue to expect that the internal floor areas of dwellings submitted for planning permission are adequate, and will use the Nationally Described Space Standard as guidance on this matter, supporting existing policy relating to amenity.

5.3.4 Following consultation, the MHDS, sets out similar requirements to the National Standards. This work included an extensive 'impact assessment' that demonstrated that the MHDS was not unduly onerous and that it would not have an undue impact on the quantum of development that could be achieved in Medway.

5.3.5 In addition the MHDS has specific standards on the following topics, which developers should continue to adhere to:

• shared outdoor amenity space;
• shared access and circulation;
• cycle storage, refuse and recycling;
• management – landscape / public realm Landscape Management Plans (LMP) are crucial to sustaining residential placemaking over time;
• visual privacy and private outdoor space; and
• environmental comfort.

5.3.6 Housing choice, flexibility and attractiveness are key considerations for people wishing to live in the area. The creation of functional spaces and the adaptability of a home will provide a better opportunity to secure long term occupation, i.e. lifelong homes. In a changing environment with greater emphasis on climate change and supporting people to be able to carry out their day-to-day activities, the adaptability of a dwelling is also important.

5.3.7 Special consideration will be needed in areas of historic value such as the area between Star Hill to Sun Pier. Guidance in the Star Hill to Sun Pier Development Framework will be a material consideration and offers an overarching framework to guide development in this sensitive and complex area. Further design guidance for the centre of Chatham is provided in the Chatham Design Code.

5.3.8 The NPPF emphasises the importance of good design and achieving well designed places to create high quality, beautiful and sustainable buildings. This recognises that the quality of housing that has been delivered through the planning process over the last 50 years has not generally been of the highest or sufficient quality both externally and internally and has not created the special places that most people aspire to live in. There is also the need to create homes that are future proof and will both meet sustainability challenges but are also adaptable to the changing needs of the occupiers.

5.3.9 Through the introduction of the Nationally Described Space Standard (2015) which lays down minimum internal floor areas for dwellings, the Government has established that residential amenity and adequate space within homes is a planning concern.^[41] It is important that space standards in homes are sufficient for people's needs.

5.3.10 Mental health is also a big priority. Ensuring that people have the minimum requirements for a healthier life are fundamental and this includes simple requirements such as access to sufficient daylight, access to greenery, space for storage and drying clothes. The quality of the home and the surrounding external space is vital in ensure places are healthier for people both for their mental and physical health.

5.3.11 Ensuring self-sufficiency and introducing sustainability considerations also assist in creating a better environment, which in turn supports healthy minds and independent individuals that can be economically active.

5.4 Sustainable design and construction

5.4.1 Sustainability is at the heart of planning and with the impacts of climate change being more widely recognised, the approach to development needs to be carefully considered at all stages. Planning can make a fundamental difference in influencing development from the infancy of a plan built-in with principles of sustainability and due regard to climate change and its contributing factors. Consideration of these factors in the built environment occurs during the design process. Wherever possible, new developments should incorporate mitigating measures as part of their design, construction and occupation resulting in minimal impact on the environment.

5.4.2 The environment is incapable of keeping up with the current consumption patterns of natural resources, which has an impact from large scale business and economies to local High Street businesses and down to each individual person. Actions to introduce the circular economy uses (making better use of recycled materials or locally sourced materials) will contribute to the collective aim of sustainability and resource maintenance/preservation.

5.4.3 New homes currently must meet a national Building Regulations standard for water efficiency of 125 litres/person/day. New residential development in Medway must meet the buildings regulations.

5.4.4 The BREEAM provides a nationally recognised standard for the sustainable design of non-residential development. Where relevant (not all non-residential schemes will be able to meet the BREEAM targets) non-residential development should meet a 'Very Good' BREEAM standard in terms of both energy efficiency and water efficiency.

5.4.5 Should the BREEAM standards be replaced, or any other national standards increased, the equivalent standards of the replacement scheme should be used. The voluntary use of sustainability assessment tools for residential development will also be encouraged.

5.4.6 Buildings are significant contributors to carbon emissions, so it is essential to ensure that all developments are contributing to reducing the impact of climate change and to meeting carbon net zero emissions. Maintaining, repairing, reusing and adapting existing buildings to enable their continued use is one of the most effective ways to reduce carbon emissions and unnecessary waste. The whole life cycle of a building should be considered. When preparing proposals that incorporate heritage assets, applicants are expected to consider the latest Historic England (or successor body) advice such as that contained in the Climate Change and Historic Building Adaptation Historic England Advice Note.^[42]

5.4.7 Medway Council's guidance through the Chatham Design Code and Star Hill to Sun Pier Development Framework will also inform development proposals in those specific areas where relevant.

5.4.8 NPPF has achieving sustainable development as a central theme running throughout and places an emphasis on place making, sustainable design and sustainability. There are specific sections on achieving well designed places, promoting sustainable transport and meeting the challenge of climate change. There is an increased emphasis on thinking locally and managing local impacts. The Policy also supports the One Medway Council Plan and Climate Change Action Plan.

5.5 Shopfront design and security

5.5.1 Medway has many historic buildings that are now in retail or commercial use. Often shopfronts have been inserted into the building to facilitate a retail or commercial use or were included as part of its original design.

5.5.2 The design of shopfronts has evolved over time, but the basics of their form has remained the same. Across Medway there are good surviving examples of shopfronts displaying various architectural styles and from different periods.

5.5.3 Shopfronts have an important role in enhancing the vibrancy and vitality of a place and add to the overall street scene. They also can contribute to the significance and character of heritage assets.

5.5.4 There is a presumption for the retention of historic shopfronts where they exist.

5.5.5 Development proposals for a new shopfront should ensure that they sensitively integrate into the building and the street scene through the use of high-quality materials, an appropriate design, and respecting the proportions of the building.

5.5.6 For any proposals for shopfronts, regard should be given to relevant adopted Design Guidance.

5.5.7 Standard corporate designs for signage and advertising may need to be adapted in order to respect the character and appearance of the area, particularly on historic buildings or in Conservation Areas.

5.5.8 For works impacting heritage assets, policy S8: Historic Environment and DM9: Heritage Assets will also apply.

5.5.9 Insensitively designed shopfronts can detract from the street scene and adversely impact the local distinctiveness and character of an area. This can arise through such elements as inappropriate materials, poorly sized signage (often too large), lighting, security measures (such as roller shutters) poorly replicated historic details, or where the shopfront does not conform to the proportions of the building.

5.5.10 To help provide clarity on shopfront design, signage, and security, a range of design guidance notes have been published by the Council:

• Guide to Good Practice in Shopfront Design.
• Shopfront Advertising Guide.
• Shopfront Security.^{[43],[44],[45]}

5.5.11 External roller shutters will rarely be considered acceptable due to their detrimental impact on the street scene. There may be exceptional circumstances for their use however and justification would need to be clearly set out in a development proposal and their design integrated into the building, as described in the adopted Shopfront Security Design Guidance.

5.6 Advertisements

5.6.1 Advertisements and signs need to be visible to attract attention or convey information. If they are insensitively designed in relation to their context or position, they can appear overly dominant and incongruous, adversely impacting the street scene.

5.6.2 Applications for advertisements and signage should be designed with reference to the impact on amenity and public safety, within the context of the character of an area, taking account of any historic, architectural, or other features of relevance.

5.6.3 Applications for illuminated advertisements and signage should demonstrate that the use of lighting is restrained, unobtrusively sited, and in context with the building and the wider area.

5.6.4 Advertisements and signage on heritage assets should be kept to a minimum to help preserve or enhance the character and significance of the asset. Policies S8: Historic Environment and DM9: Heritage Assets will also apply.

5.6.5 The policy has been drafted to prevent signage from adversely impacting the street scene, particularly in conservation areas or other areas with sensitivities.

5.6.6 The display of advertisements is subject to a separate consent process within the planning system. This is principally set out in the Town and Country Planning (Control of Advertisements) (England) Regulations 2007 (as amended). There are three categories of advertisement consent set out in the Regulations:

• Those permitted without requiring either deemed or express consent from the local planning authority;
• Those that have deemed consent; and
• Those that require the express consent of the local planning authority.

5.6.7 Policy DM8 will only apply to those applications requiring consent.

5.7 Historic environment

5.7.1 The historic environment is an irreplaceable resource that lies at the heart of the character of Medway, contributing to its local distinctiveness and helping to articulate the unique sense of place. It also contributes positively to wider Council objectives, such as tourism, education, leisure, regeneration, economic development, planning and urban design, sustainability, and health and wellbeing. The creation of a clear and positive strategy for the historic environment will help support the Council's commitment for the continued conservation and enhancement, and enjoyment of Medway's rich heritage.

5.7.2 To appropriately integrate heritage into planning policy and decision making, policies relating to the historic environment should be read in conjunction with other policies within the Local Plan, such as those relating to heritage assets, design, landscape, trees, and transport, along with any relevant SPDs and published Guidance.

5.7.3 The NPPF requires a positive strategy for the conservation and enjoyment of the historic environment which this policy provides.^[46]

5.7.4 To help deliver the Council's commitment to the historic environment, the Medway Heritage Strategy has been produced in support of the Medway Local Plan. The Heritage Strategy builds upon the findings of Medway's Heritage Asset Review (published in 2017), culminating in the establishment of a set of strategic objectives:

• Objective 1: Conserve and enhance Medway's heritage assets.
• Objective 2: Work with Medway's heritage assets to help deliver sustainable development.
• Objective 3: Increase the understanding and community involvement with Medway's heritage assets.

5.7.5 Collectively the objectives of the Heritage Strategy provide a framework for how Medway Council intends to conserve, enhance and enjoy the historic environment both in the immediate and long-term future.

5.7.6 Further advice and additional resources for Medway's historic environment can be sought by contacting Medway Council's Planning Service.

5.8 Heritage assets

5.8.1 The conservation and enhancement of the historic environment is of great importance as it plays a substantial role in place-making, as well as making a positive contribution to local character and distinctiveness.

5.8.2 Medway currently benefits from over 600 Listed Buildings, many of which concentrated around the Historic Dockyard Chatham, Brompton, and Rochester. Whilst being of heritage value in their own right, Listed Buildings also contribute to the delivery of a range of social, environmental and economic benefits, as well as adding to the character of the area.

5.8.3 Historic parks and gardens make a considerable contribution to the character, history, and setting of an area. They can also play an important role to biodiversity and the environment too.

5.8.4 Medway currently has 3 Registered Parks and Gardens (that are wholly or partly in Medway) included on the National Heritage List for England, whilst many others are considered to be of local heritage importance and therefore Non-Designated Heritage Assets.

5.8.5 There are many heritage assets in Medway that currently do not meet the criteria to be nationally designated; however, they often display local heritage significance that requires consideration in planning decision making.

5.8.6 Local Heritage Lists play an essential role in building and reinforcing a sense of local character and distinctiveness, as well as providing the means for creating a record of non-designated heritage assets and enabling entries on the list to be better taken into account in planning decision making.

5.8.7 Medway Council does not currently have a Local Heritage List but has the ambition to establish one in partnership with the local community, and in-line with Historic England's guidance on Local Heritage Listing.

5.8.8 Currently Non-Designated Heritage Assets are identified by the Council through area-based Planning work such as Conservation Area Appraisals and Design Codes, and also through the Planning and Development Management processes.

5.8.9 The NPPF provides a range of guidance for delivering sustainable development and the historic environment with specific regard to 'heritage assets' as both designated assets, and any non-designated assets identified by the Local Planning Authority.^[48],[49]

5.8.10 Medway benefits from some of the region's most celebrated heritage assets, many of which are recognised through inclusion on the National Heritage List for England, such as Scheduled Ancient Monuments, Listed Buildings and Registered Parks and Gardens. Furthermore, there are a range of non-designated heritage assets including buildings and structures of local importance, historic landscapes, parks and gardens, development patterns, valued views and vistas, and archaeological sites.

5.8.11 A number of designated heritage assets in Medway are identified on the annual Historic England Heritage at Risk Register to be 'at risk' through neglect, decay or other threats. Medway Council intends to supplement Historic England's register with its own that will cover a broader range of heritage assets than those currently included. Heritage assets considered 'at risk' on both national and local registers will be monitored by the Council, who will seek to bring them back into sensitive and sustainable use and/or into a good state of repair.

5.8.12 The Medway Heritage Asset Review published in 2017 identifies a range of themes that are considered key factors contributing to the local character and distinctiveness. The Medway Heritage Asset Review provides a starting point for an overview of Medway's historic environment, however there are a range of other published resources that should be consulted as part of development proposals.

5.8.13 The Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 provides specific protection for buildings and areas of special architectural or historic interest.

5.9 Star Hill to Sun Pier

5.9.1 Medway Council was awarded funding for revitalising the lower High Street which extends from Star Hill in Rochester through to Sun Pier in Chatham and is known to locals as 'Chatham Intra'. This area has a vast amount of historic and conservational interest and has the potential to provide a unique offer to Medway and has been awarded a HAZ designation.

5.9.2 Medway Council will seek to-re-establish this area as a social, cultural and retail destination, which will support small to medium sized businesses and social enterprises. The HAZ area is an ideal location for embracing the creative sector – a key economic driver.

5.9.3 Medway Council has prepared and adopted the Star Hill to Sun Pier Development Framework (SPD) to provide considered guidance for future development in the designated area to achieve a balance between preserving and enhancing the historic character of the area. It considers the River Medway; the High Street and adjoining areas; movement and transport; and sustainability amongst other more detailed considerations. The SPD will be a material consideration for development proposals that fall between Star Hill and Sun Pier.

5.9.4 This area has long been an area of interest and potential, and the subject of research and planning guidance work. It is a key opportunity area in which to deliver the Council's ambitions, celebrating the area's heritage and delivering on the cultural strategy. With the HAZ funding award, the Council has worked with local communities and wider stakeholders to gather evidence and knowledge to inform a new development framework to guide future proposals.

5.10 Conservation areas

5.10.1 The Conservation Areas in Medway exist to protect and manage features of special historic and architectural interest that are desirable to preserve and enhance. Conservation Areas are particularly sensitive to change, with their character and distinctiveness easily damaged by new development and other changes, such as minor alterations to buildings, signs and traffic. Medway currently has 24 Conservation Areas, for each of which the Council intends to produce a Conservation Area Appraisal to examine the key features that contribute to their special historic or architectural interest.

5.10.2 The special historic and architectural interest of a Conservation Area is not limited to the buildings contained within. Other features such as the setting, open spaces, trees, street furniture, roads and footpaths, areas between and around buildings, and views to, from and within a Conservation Area are also often as important as the buildings and areas themselves.

5.10.3 The NPPF sets out what is to be taken into account when determining applications which includes positive contributions to the area and revealing its significance.^[50]

5.10.4 In addition, the Council has prepared a number of Conservation Area Appraisals which assess the impact on the Conservation Area's special interest, character and appearance and are a material consideration in decisions affecting the area.

5.11 Scheduled monuments and archaeological sites

5.11.1 There are currently 80 Scheduled Monuments in Medway, as well as numerous important archaeological sites and areas of known archaeological potential.

5.11.2 Scheduled Monuments are afforded a high level of protection through the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979.

5.11.3 There is a presumption against development proposals that would adversely impact a Scheduled Monument or its setting.

5.11.4 Some archaeological sites in Medway are not currently designated as Scheduled Monuments but may be of comparable significance and therefore should be treated as such.

5.11.5 The potential for archaeological remains will need to be taken into consideration in development proposals. On sites where there is potential for archaeological remains, we would encourage applicants to consult both the local planning authority and the County Archaeologist at Kent County Council at an early stage, preferably as part of a pre-application.

5.11.6 Applicants will need to demonstrate that archaeology has been adequately assessed as part of a development proposal, and a detailed written archaeological assessment may be required to be submitted with an application for development.

5.11.7 Legislation (as noted above) recognises the importance of and provides protection to Scheduled Monuments. National planning policy supports this approach, with substantial harm to scheduled monuments being wholly exceptional, and any harm to heritage assets needing to be justified in the planning application.

5.11.8 This approach provides for the potential of archaeological remains to be acknowledged and investigated and also gives the appropriate level of protection for Scheduled Monuments and heritage assets with archaeological interest on sites in Medway.

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