Medway Local Plan (Regulation 18, 2024)

Ended on the 8 September 2024

10. Health, Communities and Infrastructure

10.1 Introduction

10.1.1 Promoting the health and wellbeing of Medway's communities is one of the priorities of the One Medway Council Plan. Medway's Joint Local Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2024-2028 sets out priorities to meet the needs of local people. It highlights the health inequalities across Medway, with a 10-year gap in life expectancy in men between the most and least deprived communities in Medway. The priority themes in the Strategy are wide ranging, and the Local Plan makes important contributions to these ambitions:

  • Healthier and longer lives for everyone
  • Reduce poverty and inequality
  • Safe, connected and sustainable places
  • Connected communities and cohesive services

10.1.2 This section considers the wider contributions to health and wellbeing, in providing access to health care services, but also greenspaces, sports and leisure facilities, and community buildings and services, that support social interaction and cohesion.

10.2 Health and wellbeing

10.2.1 Supporting people to lead healthy lives and strengthening our communities is one of the four strategic objectives of the local plan. Meeting this objective is necessary to achieving the local plan's vision: that Medway is a healthy place in which to live, study and work.

10.2.2 In line with the World Health Organisation's definition, health refers not just to the absence of disease but also positive physical, mental and social wellbeing. Wellbeing refers to wider purpose and meaning, life satisfaction and positive emotions and relationships. It is important in its own right because it generally leads to better physical and mental health.

10.2.3 Health and wellbeing is about much more than health care services. A long and healthy life comes from a strong foundation supporting all the building blocks of health, such as good education and employment; good quality, affordable housing; access to healthy food; and strong social and community networks. Many of these building blocks relate to the natural and built environment and are influenced by the Local Plan. For example, access to open space, the provision of community infrastructure and co-located services to support social cohesion, access to sport and leisure facilities and healthy food provision can help improve mental and physical health. Good health in turn can enable resilient communities and a strong economy.

10.2.4 Health inequalities are avoidable, unfair and systematic differences in health between different groups of people. Currently there are significant health inequalities across Medway. In our least well-off neighbourhoods, men are dying 10 years earlier than those in the most well-off. For women the life expectancy gap is 7 years, mainly due to circulatory disease, cancer and respiratory disease. Ill health is often concentrated in the most deprived areas, and Medway has 37 neighbourhoods ranked in the 20% most deprived areas nationally.

10.2.5 Medway's population is also changing with implications for planning. The number of people aged 65 and over is projected to increase by 24% by 2040, with a particularly large increase of 55% in those aged 85+.[136]

10.2.6 The Local Plan has a key role to play in reducing health inequalities and improving health and wellbeing through the planning process by setting out objectives which aim to mitigate against these inequalities. It supports wider Council priorities such as delivery of the Medway's Joint Local Health and Wellbeing Strategy, which has four major priorities: healthier and longer lives for everyone; reduce poverty and inequality; safe, connected and sustainable places; and connected communities and cohesive services.

10.2.7 An Integrated Care Strategy has been produced by NHS Kent and Medway, Kent County Council and Medway Council, supported by district councils, Healthwatch organisations and the voluntary sector. The strategy emphasises the importance of creating healthy environments and communities:

  • Everyone who lives in Kent and Medway should have access to a decent, safe, secure, warm, and affordable home.
  • Encourage housing that is designed with health and wellbeing built in, promoting healthy lifestyles, and responding to the impacts of climate change and changes to the way we all live and work.
  • Partners will work together to plan housing development and regeneration in a way that improves quality of life for new and existing communities.
  • Support everyone to be able to access open spaces including at parks, at the coast, and via safe walking and cycling routes.
  • Protecting and enhancing our environment is a priority across the system. There are clear health and wellbeing benefits to reducing carbon emissions, improving air quality and managing the impacts of climate change.
  • Integrated support for families must include a wide offer that spans housing, communities, health, education, social care and the voluntary sector.
  • In tackling childhood obesity our built environment also has a role to play e.g., access to green spaces and safe walking and cycling routes to schools.[137]

Policy T27: Reducing Health Inequalities and Supporting Health and Wellbeing

The Council will maintain and improve the health and wellbeing of our residents, encouraging healthy lifestyles and tackling the causes of ill health and inequalities. This will be achieved by:

  • Promoting active and healthy lifestyles through the design of new development, including applying Active Design principles, improving the green and blue infrastructure network, enhancing the quality and accessibility of play and recreation opportunities, expanding the network of attractive walking, wheeling and cycling routes and public transport.
  • Reducing and mitigating drivers of poor health and health hazards such as those associated with climate change, poor air quality, noise, ground and water contamination, flooding, crime and hazardous uses.
  • Creating inclusive, well-connected centres and neighbourhoods where services and facilities are co-located, including for older people and those with different abilities.
  • Improving and creating better access to education, training and employment and promoting a stronger local economy.
  • Supporting good mental health by tackling deprivation, promoting social interaction through the design of high-quality public spaces and places, and improving access to nature and green spaces.
  • Providing decent and affordable homes within an attractive environment.
  • Supporting the delivery of essential community services.
  • Creating a healthy food environment by increasing opportunities for growing food, controlling the location of, and access to, unhealthy eating outlets, and improving the accessibility of retail facilities selling fresh food.
  • Providing good access for all to health and social care facilities.

The Council will support development in Medway that provides opportunities for healthy lifestyles, contributes to the creation of healthier communities, and helps reduce health inequalities. In doing so, will need to satisfy the following:

  • Major development will be permitted where it provides facilities and services that support health objectives with priority given to new or enhanced existing health, social care, community, sport, and leisure facilities.
  • Major development must ensure that primary health care facilities provided are of an appropriate scale in relation to the proposal and meets the needs of residents. These primary health care facilities must be located alongside other community services and facilities to foster a sense of community, improve accessibility, promote sustainable travel, and enable combined trips.
  • Development that protects and increases the availability of allotments and private and communal gardens for exercise, recreation and for healthy locally produced food will be supported.
  • In exceptional circumstances, health, social care, community, sport and leisure facilities may be replaced by another appropriate use or lost where there is a demonstrated overprovision. This must be justified and supported by evidence showing the use is not needed, demonstrating the following:
  1. Community engagement has been undertaken to inform the preferred use within the proposal's red line boundary of the development area as a replacement.
  2. Consideration has been given to repurposing the built form or providing new facilities to support health objectives with priority given firstly to health, social care, community, sports and leisure facilities.
  • Development must retain or re-provide existing health, social care, community, sport, and leisure facilities.
  • All major development proposals or those that the Council would consider having the potential to have a significant impact on health and wellbeing must be supported by a Health Impact Assessment (HIA). Proposals will be supported where it can be demonstrated that the design of the scheme has been informed by the conclusions of the Health Impact Assessment.
  • Development that would have an unacceptable impact on health or wellbeing will not be permitted.
  • Development proposals will help to create healthy and sustainable places, recognising the cumulative effect individual units and specific uses can have on the success of places.[138] The Council will seek to manage the concentration and mix of specific premises to support healthier communities. In particular, the location and concentration of the following types of development will be carefully managed to avoid possible adverse impacts on health and wellbeing):
  1. hot food takeaways;
  2. off-licences;
  3. facilities that encourage smoking, for example smoking shelters and shisha lounges; and
  4. payday lenders, betting shops and amusement arcades.
  • Where uses identified in points A-D above can be justified, acceptability will be informed by the location proposed. Locations away from places that are regularly frequented by younger people such as schools and youth facilities, and where they are likely to worsen health inequalities are considered preferable.

10.2.8 Chapter 8 of the NPPF makes it clear that local planning authorities have a responsibility to promote healthy communities. It says that "planning policies and decisions should…enable and support healthy lifestyles, especially where this would address identified local health and well-being needs" and should "take account of and support local strategies to improve health, social and cultural wellbeing for all".[139]

10.2.9 Public Health England's Spatial Planning for Health 2017 is centred on five aspects of the built and natural environment: neighbourhood design, housing, healthier food, natural and sustainable environment, and transport. These five aspects of the built and natural environment were identified as the main characteristics that can be designed and shaped, by planning, in order to promote health outcomes.[140]

10.2.10 Responses to earlier rounds of consultation on the emerging Local Plan called for greater recognition to be given to health in planning for Medway's future. Key themes relating to health highlighted by respondents included the need to tackle health inequalities, address the lack of affordable housing, ensure sufficient appropriate health, community and social infrastructure and services, improve the availability of safe, accessible green space, improve access to healthy food, strengthen local centres and businesses, increase the availability of public transport and walking and cycling routes, and ensure inclusive public spaces accessible to all abilities.

10.2.11 In 2023 Medway Council conducted a Better Health Survey with 526 adults and 148 children and young people. Focus groups and interviews were conducted with groups less likely to respond to surveys such as those in deprived areas and rural areas, people experiencing homelessness, sex workers, older women and men, ethnic minority groups, the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities, people whose life experiences have made it more difficult for them to manage their own physical and mental wellbeing and people in the armed forces. A survey and workshop were also conducted for health, care and voluntary sector organisations. Many of the themes related to the need for planning to support health:

  • Adult survey respondents emphasised the need for better access to health and care services, affordable, good quality housing and improved job security.
  • Children and young people highlighted the need for more social connections, opportunities for physical activity, better access to public green spaces and tackling environmental issues.
  • Key themes across both surveys included a healthy environment, opportunities for physical activity and social connections, access to healthy and affordable food, and better access to health and care services.
  • Focus groups and interviews reported the need for social groups and places where people can connect with others, better access to health and care services, integrated hubs in the community where people can meet many of their health needs in the same place, and green spaces.
  • Health and care and voluntary sector organisations emphasised the importance of good quality and affordable housing, a healthy environment, community cohesion and access to health and care services.

10.2.12 With the increasing proportions of older people and greater diversity in our communities there will also be challenges ahead to make sure that the needs of all are met. The built environment can contribute to this through a considered approach to the location, design, and accessibility of development as well as the re-purposing of built form for uses that mitigate health inequalities. This will ensure that residents have equal access to opportunities for good health and the factors that contribute to it such as employment, housing, and participation in community life.

10.2.13 The provision of an accessible environment that allows people to participate in physical activity, such as walking and cycling, is of paramount importance for promoting health and wellbeing. Active travel that encourages access to local employment, amenities, and community facilities, can have real public health outcomes and supports the objective of supporting people to lead healthy lives and strengthening our communities. The Active Design's foundation principle 'activity for all' states, "all environments should support physical activity equitably across all ages, ethnicities, genders, and abilities - enabling everyone to be active and build long-term active habits and behaviours."[141]

10.2.14 Health, social care, community, sport and leisure facilities are important in enhancing people's quality of life. They also perform wider health and wellbeing functions, helping to build inclusive communities, promoting healthy lifestyles and protecting green spaces for reflection and relaxation. Similarly, community facilities play a significant role in developing the social wellbeing of individuals and communities by allowing activities and interests to grow outside of the home and the workplace. They also bring people together and help to establish new communities. There are benefits to the co-location of facilities to foster a sense of community, improve accessibility, promote sustainable travel, and enable combined trips.

10.2.15 New development has the potential to support significant improvements in human health but can also have considerable adverse impacts on health, both within the red line and on the wider environment, if it is inappropriately located, designed, constructed and/or operated. Certain types of use can cause detrimental cumulative impacts as a result of their concentration. It is important that specific consideration is given to the potential overall impact of development on health during the planning process, with individual proposals seeking to maximise their positive contribution as far as practicable, recognising that health requirements and issues can vary between different groups of identity and on an individual basis. Health impact assessments will be an important tool for this.

10.2.16 An important contributing factor to poor diet and health in certain parts of Medway is the distribution and access to unhealthy eating outlets. In certain locations there is an issue where such uses cluster together, reinforcing the ease of access to unhealthy foods and adversely affecting the vitality of the area. Consideration will therefore be given to managing the proliferation of and therefore access to, such uses to avoid over-concentration.

10.2.17 Health, social care, community, sport, and leisure facilities are important in enhancing people's quality of life and developing the social wellbeing of individuals and communities. The co-location of these facilities creates a supportive environment that encourages healthy lifestyle choices, fosters community interaction and cohesion. This integration promotes sustainable travel by reducing the need for multiple trips, thereby contributing to environmental sustainability, it also supports economic development by creating a vibrant, multifunctional space that attracts investment.

10.3 Open space, sport, recreation and play

10.3.1 Medway's open space and green infrastructure network makes an important contribution to its landscape, townscape, and biodiversity. Along with indoor sport facilities, open space including equipped and informal play spaces and allotments support the health and well-being of communities. The River Medway, and the skiing and ice skating facilities, provide for other activities beyond mainstream sports.

10.3.2 National planning policy defines open space as 'all open space of public value, including not just land, but also areas of water (such as rivers, canals, lakes and reservoirs) which offer important opportunities for sport and recreation and can act as a visual amenity.'

10.3.3 Alongside the provision of new open spaces, it is important that existing publicly accessible open spaces are protected for future generations. Existing open space, sports and recreational buildings and land, including playing fields, is protected through national planning policy. Such areas should not be built on unless the site is surplus to requirements, equivalent or better facilities will be provided or the development is for alternative sports or recreational provision, the benefits of which clearly outweigh the loss.

10.3.4 National planning policy also provides for the designation of land as Local Green Space through local or neighbourhood plans. This allows communities to identify and protect green areas of particular importance to them.

10.3.5 Child-friendly Medway is a place where young people's voices are recognised, and they feel safe, valued, included, learn new skills and make the most of their talents. Providing the best start in life for children and young people helps them to aim high, reach their goals, hopes and dreams for their future.[142]

10.3.6 The Council's Playing Pitch Strategy (2019) and the draft Medway Open Space Assessment (2024) clearly identify the need for new and improved open spaces and sports facilities over the period of the Local Plan to respond to the pressures that additional growth will place on existing provision, including in areas of Medway which already experience deficits in specific typologies of open space.[143]

10.3.7 The Council will consider the need for additional guidance to ensure that open spaces secured through the development management process are delivered and managed effectively for communities.

Policy T28: Existing Open Space and Playing Pitches

Proposals for development which would result in the loss of publicly accessible open space will only be permitted if:

  1. There would be no material harm to the contribution the open space makes to the visual or recreational amenity of the area, and the Council has assessed the open space as making no positive contribution to its overall strategy on open space.
  2. Where there would be material harm, this would be balanced against demonstrable need for the development in that specific location. Should there be no alternative site available to accommodate the proposed development, any harm must be offset by the provision of other open space of comparable accessibility, quality, size, character and usability in a suitable location, in addition to any open space requirements of the new development.
  3. The proposal is for the construction of a new building that is an essential facility for outdoor sport, recreation, play or allotment use or other open space typology uses that does not conflict with the purpose, character or accessibility of the open space.
  4. The proposal is for the re-use or replacement of existing buildings provided that the proposed uses do not conflict with the purpose, character or accessibility of the open space; and any replacement building is not materially larger.
  5. The proposal is for the carrying out of engineering or other operations required for public safety.

In addition, proposals for development which would result in the loss, in whole or in part, of sports or recreation facilities must also demonstrate that:

  1. The site has first been considered for other sport, open space, recreation, biodiversity or community uses.
  2. It has been demonstrated that the playing field is surplus to requirements having regard to the Council's Open Space Assessment or Playing Pitch Strategy.
  3. There is an overriding need for the proposed development which outweighs the loss and the loss would be replaced by equivalent or better provision in terms of quantity and quality in a suitable location.
  4. The development is for a small part of the site; where it has been demonstrated that it will result in enhanced sport and recreational facilities.

Proposals for development that would result in the loss of publicly accessible open spaces provided as part of a planning permission for development will be refused.

Policy DM21: New open space and playing pitches

Residential-led developments will be required to provide new open space and playing pitches according to the following accessibility and quantity standards:

Open space type

Definition

Catchment

Quantity per 1,000 people

Parks and gardens

Urban parks and formal gardens, open to the general public. Accessible, high-quality opportunities for informal recreation and community events

9-minute walk time (710m)

0.80 ha

Natural and semi-natural greenspace

Supports wildlife conservation, biodiversity and environmental education and awareness . e.g. woodlands, nature reserves, grassland.

9-minute walk time (720m)

3.09 ha

Amenity greenspace

Opportunities for informal activities close to home or work or enhancement of the appearance of residential or other areas.

6-minute walk time (480m)

0.80 ha

Provision for children and young people

Local Area of Play (LAP)

Local Area of Play targeted at 0 to 5 year olds

1-minute walk time (100m)

0.25 ha

Local Equipped Area for Play (LEAP)

Local Equipped Area for Play targeted at 5 to 12 year olds.

5-minute walk time (400m)

Neighbourhood Equipped Area of Play (NEAP)

Neighbourhood Equipped Area of Play, targeted at 12 to 18 year olds, and provision for young people, such as skate parks

12.5-minute walk time (1,000m)

Other provision

Play facilities that have a distinctive feature and are part of a larger facility. Could include skate parks or multi-use games areas, but taking into account Making Space for girls' guidance.

9-minute walk time (700m)

Outdoor sport

Areas marked for pitch sports (e.g. football, tennis). This is in addition to any sports pitches provided as part of any on-site school provision

Applicants to seek use of Sport England's Play Pitch Calculator to determine site specific requirements based on Play Pitch Strategy

TBC

Allotments

Provides opportunities for communities to grow their own produce. Added benefits include the long-term promotion of sustainable living, health and social inclusion

No standard set

0.25 ha

Development proposals should make appropriate space available to meet the quantity standards within the site as set out below:

  1. Residential development of 10 or more dwellings will be required to provide either new and / or enhanced publicly accessible open space and recreation provision to meet the needs of their occupants. Provision should be provided based on the size of the dwellings proposed.
  2. In the case of sheltered housing and special needs housing for the elderly, children's play will not be required. However, formal/informal open space provision will be sought on-site in lieu of the formal play requirement.
  3. The expectation is for development to deliver provision on-site in accordance with the quantity standards above, unless in exceptional circumstances where off-site provision would better facilitate the needs of the development or where provision may not be suitable onsite due to either the nature / size of the site or specific constraints.
  4. In cases where it can be demonstrated that it better meets local need, play provision may be secured through the improvement and expansion of existing facilities within the local area, rather than new play provision. This will be considered on a case-by-case basis for minor developments only.
  5. Where off-site open space provision is required developer contributions for the enhancement and maintenance of existing open space and recreation provision will be sought with contributions secured through a S106 legal agreement.
  6. Where on-site open space provision is required, the type of on-site open space provision to be delivered will be discussed with the applicant at the pre-application stage and will be dependent on the suitability of the site to accommodate different types of open space provision as well as the quantity and type of provision needed in the local area. The starting point for the consideration of provision should be based on the quantity standards.

The open space requirements will be calculated by multiplying the number of people expected to occupy the development by the standards as expressed in square metres per person.

The number of people expected to occupy the development will be based on the average household size for Medway. This will be based on the most up-to-date Office for National Statistics household projections. The standards will be reviewed where high levels of student or sheltered accommodation is proposed.

Design of new open space

Proposals for development which include provision of new on-site open space must ensure that new open spaces meet these quality standards below:

  1. Be designed as part of the green infrastructure network, contributing to local landscape character, connecting with local routes and green corridors for people and wildlife as well as providing multi-functional benefits such as addressing surface water management priorities without compromising access.
  2. Play provision is diverse to encourage all appropriate ages and play opportunities for all abilities, reflecting up to date play guidance, including Fields in Trust and Making Space for Girls.[144],[145]
  3. Be fully accessible and inclusive provide a range of formal and informal recreation, to encourage physical activity to improve mental well-being and health inequalities that will benefit both new and existing residents.
  4. Integrate formal sports provision into wider open space networks.
  5. Provide meaningful and safe recreation and be sufficiently overlooked by active building frontages while maintaining appropriate distances from residential properties.
  6. Link with active travel routes both within and beyond the site.
  7. Be easily found and accessible walking and cycling, and public transport and road where appropriate, including by those with disabilities, with pedestrian crossings on roads where necessary.
  8. Promote biodiversity and maximise opportunities to deliver benefits for nature, supporting efforts to address climate change.
  9. Where new schools are provided in major new residential developments, they should be designed to facilitate community access, with opportunities for meeting the community's outdoor sports needs explored at the outset to maximise the potential for facility provision to be made within the developments.
  10. Provide adequate funding towards the long-term maintenance of new provision. A management plan for the on-site provision will also be required as relevant to the proposal to ensure the site is managed and maintained in the long-term.

 10.3.8 The accessibility and quantity standards were recommended in the Open Space Assessment (2024). Notably, new provision was based on current provision, as opposed to the Fields in Trust's benchmarks, which do not take into consideration the local circumstances.

10.3.9 The Playing Pitch Strategy (PPS) justifies the protection, enhancement and provision of playing pitches. Based on an audit and assessment of the supply and demand for existing and future playing pitches (in consultation with local clubs, national governing bodies of sport and other users and providers), the PPS provides recommendations and an action plan for addressing issues regarding the quantity, quality and accessibility of playing pitches and ancillary facilities.

10.3.10 The Sports Facility Strategy and Action Plan provides an assessment of need up to 2035 and a phased approach to planning.[146] It sets out opportunities for improvements in a range of sports facilities across Medway. The potential use of a Community Use Agreement to ensure schools sports facilities can be made available for community use outside of school hours to help meet demand was highlighted in the PPS and in the Sports Facility Strategy and Action Plan.

10.4 Community Facilities

10.4.1 Community facilities, such as village halls and community centres, sports venues, cultural buildings, pubs and places of worship, make an important contribution to the quality of life. They support access to key services, adding to the vibrancy of neighbourhoods and centres, and encourage social interaction and boost wellbeing.

10.4.2 Protecting, improving and making provision for new community and cultural facilities will help to maintain and improve the quality of life enjoyed by Medway's residents. Further information is available in Medway's Cultural Strategy 2020-2030.[147] 

10.4.3 The Council has gathered evidence on how well urban communities are served by local facilities as detailed in Figure 8. Many of these facilities are located in the town centres, but there is a wider network of social infrastructure in neighbourhoods across the urban and suburban areas, often located in district and local centres. The survey found that facilities were generally well used, were well located and most were in sufficient condition for the activities undertaken. However, many had plans to expand to keep pace with demand from users. 

10.4.4 Community halls for example are important to residential neighbourhoods for promoting health and well-being, sustainable communities and community cohesion.  These facilities are recognised in planning policy as important in meeting the social needs of sustainable development. 

10.4.5 Developer contributions allow for the provision or expansion of neighbourhood facilities to the local community to meet service deficiencies exacerbated by the new developments, including community buildings to meet a wide range of needs across all sections of the community.  The contributions can also allow for community provision of youth facilities within new or existing facilities including provision for sport and games development.

A map of a city with many green and yellow dots indicating various community facilities.

Source: Medway Urban Community Facilities Survey 2017
Figure 8: Distribution of Urban Community Facilities

10.4.6 National planning policy states that strategic policies must make sufficient provision for community facilities under health, education and cultural infrastructure.[148] 

Support for community and cultural facilities 

10.4.7 For proposals that involve the loss of community (including shops), health and cultural facilities, the Council will require evidence firstly that an alternative facility or facilities can be found within easy walking distance, where planning permission is required.  Evidence will need to demonstrate that there is at least one such facility which offers services and an environment comparable to that of the facility subject to the proposal. 

10.4.8 In determining local need in relation to a community or cultural facility, the Council will require evidence that there has been public consultation to ascertain the value of the facility to the local community. If the facility is registered as an 'Asset of Community Value', the Council will regard this as a material consideration in the determination of any planning application affecting the facility. 

10.4.9 In relation to viability, the Council will require evidence demonstrating that:

  • the existing or recent business is not financially viable, as evidenced by trading accounts for the last three years in which the business was operating as a full-time business; 
  • a range of measures were tried during this time to increase trade and diversify use; the potential for the property to extend the range of facilities offered at the site has been fully explored. 

10.4.10 For public houses, the Campaign for Real Ale Public House Viability Test, or a similar objective evaluation method, has been employed to assess the viability of the business and the outcomes show that the public house is no longer economically viable.[149]

10.4.11 The Council will also require evidence that all reasonable measures have been taken to market the facility to other potential operators. The business must have been marketed for at least 12 months either as the current type of facility or as an alternative community facility, at a price agreed with the Council following an independent professional valuation (paid for by the developer). In turn there must have been no interest in purchasing either the freehold or leasehold as a community facility. The business must have been offered for sale locally, and in the region, in appropriate publications and through relevant specialised agents. 

Policy T29: Community and Cultural Facilities

The Council recognises the importance of community and cultural facilities and the need for an appropriate range of facilities as a key component of sustainable development. The Council will seek to protect and enhance existing facilities, services and amenities that contribute to the quality of life of residents and visitors. 

The Council will support appropriate development that seeks to enhance community and cultural facilities that do not have a negative impact on the surrounding amenity, historic and natural environment and transport networks. 

The Council will require provision to be made for community and cultural facilities in planning for new development. Large scale residential developments will be required to provide community facilities to meet the needs of new residents and integration with existing communities where possible.  

New community and cultural facilities should be located within or near the community they are intended to serve and should be appropriately located to support sustainable travel by being accessible to users by walking, cycling and public transport. If the development is smaller scale and community facilities cannot be accommodated on site, a contribution will be sought to upgrade appropriate facilities off site, where it can be demonstrated that they are accessible to residents of the new development and that there is capacity to support the increased population.  

All developments for over 10 homes will be required to contribute to upgrading community facilities in line with the Council's policy on infrastructure contributions from developers. 

There is a presumption against the loss of community facilities in rural and urban areas.

Any proposal which would result in the loss of a community or cultural facility will not be permitted unless:

  • An alternative community facility (social infrastructure) which meets similar local needs to at least the same extent is already available.
  • It can be shown that the proposal does not constitute the loss of a service of particular value to the local community nor detrimentally affect the character, sustainability and vitality of the area.
  • Additional/improved provision including the utilisation of vacant and under-used land for arts, cultural and creative purposes is provided.
  • It has been demonstrated that it is no longer economically viable and cannot be made so, unless sufficient marketing evidence has been supplied. 
  • Proposals for new community facilities should:  
    • Have safe access by cycle and walking within reasonable walking distance, public transport and car and incorporate a travel plan.  
    • Have safe drop-off and pick-up provision.
    • Avoid conflict with adjoining uses.
    • Healthcare facilities are formally declared surplus to the operational healthcare requirements of the NHS or identified as surplus as part of a published estates strategy or service transformation plan.

10.4.12 National guidance states that 'To provide the social, recreational and cultural facilities and services the community needs, planning policies and decisions should: plan positively for the provision and use of shared spaces, community facilities and other local services to enhance the sustainability of communities and residential environments.' 

10.4.13 National guidance recognises the importance of providing local shops to satisfy the needs of local communities.

10.4.14 Community facilities are those 'shared spaces' enabling 'shared activities' that the Government recognise as helping to create a sense of place and foster local residents' pride.

10.4.15 Feeling part of a community can improve wellbeing and reduce social isolation and loneliness, while involvement in community and cultural activities can also contribute to improved mental health.

10.4.16 New provision or renewal of established facilities will serve existing and new residents and create places for a diverse range of residents to meet and interact.  

10.4.17 Integrated and resilient communities with high levels of participation and trust can help protect and enhance the local environment. 

10.4.18 For these reasons it is essential that the range of community facilities in Medway is maintained, of the type and location that is appropriate to the needs of residents. 

10.4.19 In planning for town, village and local centres across Medway, the Local Plan will consider the need to secure a range of community facilities. Much of the growth planned for Medway over the plan period is likely to be located in large developments that extend or establish neighbourhoods, towns or villages. The Council will expect the provision of community facilities to be integral to the planning of large developments, so that residents can easily access a range of services, supporting community life. Large scale housing development without adequate provision of community facilities will not be acceptable. 

10.5 Infrastructure delivery

10.5.1 Infrastructure is a vital component of the Local Plan as it is essential for a place to function well.

10.5.2 Infrastructure is a broad term and falls into three categories: physical, social and green (including grey and blue). The Planning Act 2008 defines it as including: roads and other transport facilities, flood defences, schools and other educational facilities, medical facilities, sporting and recreational facilities, and open spaces.[150]

10.5.3 This section will focus on planning for the delivery and safeguarding of infrastructure, but will not include a review of transport facilities, flood defences, sporting and recreational facilities and open spaces, waste, minerals or energy as these elements are to be dealt with in other areas of the plan.

10.5.4 The Local Plan vision and objectives sets out that infrastructure is crucial to the development of Medway in coming years, especially its timely delivery and effective scale. Noted as key to this is the delivery of education, health, transport and community facilities.

10.5.5 The following policies seek to support the vision and ensure that it is delivered in an appropriate and efficient manner. They focus on infrastructure delivery and communications.

10.5.6 The Council will seek the timely and effective delivery of infrastructure for strategic and smaller sites to support the local economy and meet the needs of Medway's communities. The Council will also seek to protect existing infrastructure assets and safeguard land where required for new infrastructure.

10.5.7 To support the growth strategy in the Local Plan the Council will produce an updated Infrastructure Delivery Plan (IDP). This will set out the required level, cost, funding and phasing of a broad range of infrastructure to support the proposed development over the plan period. It is an iterative document that is to be monitored and reviewed.

10.5.8 Supporting the Local Plan and IDP to bring forward the required infrastructure at the right time, the Council will use planning contributions and obligations. These are planning and legal mechanisms to mitigate a development. They currently include planning conditions, Section 106 Agreements, Section 278 Agreements and unilateral undertakings. Further mechanisms, such as an Infrastructure Levy (IL) may come forward through national policy over the plan period.

10.5.9 Medway Council uses Section 106 Agreements and planning conditions as the mechanism for developer contributions and obligations. This has been a successful method for the Council to secure infrastructure and the Council will continue with this approach, subject to further evidence in the preparation of the Local Plan, and potential changes to national policy.

10.5.10 The Council has not adopted a CIL, as evidence to date does not support this as a preferable method to the use of S106 agreements. It will respond to any updated government guidance and legislation on developer contributions, planning conditions and approaches to viability testing. This may involve the possible implementation of a locally adopted IL or other recognised funding mechanism to provide for contributions for strategic infrastructure supporting the development of the wider area.

10.5.11 The Council will also continue to engage with appropriate bodies on strategic infrastructure planning matters, through the Duty to Cooperate and where appropriate use Statements of Common Ground to plan to overcome issues identified.

Policy S24: Infrastructure Delivery

Development coming forward in Medway will be expected to deliver new or improved infrastructure, to mitigate the impact of development. This will be achieved through the use of planning obligations and/or contributions and their use as defined in national policy and guidance, and as set out in the latest Medway Guide to Developer Contributions and Obligations. Infrastructure includes requirements having regard to the details set out in the latest IDP, as well as studies on leisure, green infrastructure, neighbourhood plans and development orders and other needs assessments.

To support sustainable development and the delivery of infrastructure planning permission will be granted for new developments in the following circumstances:

  • Applications can demonstrate that there is sufficient infrastructure capacity to support what is proposed.
  • Development is phased to reflect the timely delivery of infrastructure to serve and support future occupants and users.
  • Developer contributions and/or obligations are agreed that will mitigate the impact of the development.
  • To achieve timely delivery of infrastructure the Council will expect infrastructure to be delivered in the following sequence unless proven otherwise through the application process via the viability appraisal process below:
    • Onsite delivery of infrastructure ahead of occupation.
    • Onsite phased delivery of infrastructure.
    • Financial developer contribution for offsite provision.

In the event that a developer considers that providing or contributing towards infrastructure requirement would not be achievable the Council would expect the following:

  • The submission of an "open book" viability appraisal. Any sensitive information which could compromise the applicant's operations in any way will remain confidential from the public.
  • Proof that the cost of potential infrastructure had been accounted for within the purchase price of the site.

If development is phased, the Council would expect a reassessment of the viability of the site for financial contributions to be undertaken at the submission of details for each phase.

Any viability appraisal is to be tested by the Council's independent advisors and this is to be paid for by the applicant.

Infrastructure provision will require collaborative working with infrastructure providers including Medway Council, the NHS, and utilities providers amongst others. Developers and landowners must work positively with the Council, neighbouring authorities and other infrastructure providers throughout the planning process to ensure that the cumulative impact of development is considered at the outset and is then mitigated, at the appropriate time, in line with their published policies and guidance.

10.5.12 Medway is made up of very different urban and rural areas, with varying levels of service provision. The character and circumstances of different places in Medway needs to be considered in planning for new infrastructure. Some urban locations may have limited land for new services, and villages may have a low level of existing service, and sustainable transport links. Local factors are important in considering the mitigation needed.

10.5.13 Communities across Medway have raised concerns in previous consultations about pressures on services and infrastructure. Health, education and transport services are particular concerns. Residents want to be reassured that new development, particularly housing, will be accompanied by upgrades in infrastructure to meet the needs of expanded communities. The Council is setting out in the policy a preferred approach to sequencing the delivery of infrastructure. This would be based on delivering infrastructure ahead of occupation of the development, phased throughout it, or through a financial contribution. The sequencing would be negotiated between the developer and the Council and reasons for a course of action chosen justified.

10.5.14 To effectively manage infrastructure delivery for planned developments the Council will produce an updated IDP for publication with the Pre-Submission Draft Plan in early 2025. The IDP identifies the interventions needed to secure relevant infrastructure to bring forward the planned developments in Medway. The IDP will also be used to address issues raised by local communities about significant pressures on infrastructure.

10.5.15 The IDP will be an iterative document, refreshed over the plan period.The decisions on obligations and level of contribution for these developments will be identified through the Medway Guide to Contributions & Obligations Guide or successor documents and cover the full spectrum or potential 'infrastructure' required to mitigate a development. Any allocation of the contributions outlined will be through negotiation between the applicant and Council based on the individual attributes of the planning application.

10.5.16 The plan will be informed by a whole plan viability assessment to demonstrate that the allocations and policies provide for the delivery of sustainable development. However the Council needs to allow for some flexibility within the provision of infrastructure. Over the plan period the economy and property market are likely to pass through moments of change. As a result individual sites may suffer viability issues and so flexibility needs to be built into the process to allow for delivery of development.

Questions: Health, Communities and Infrastructure

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10.6 Digital communications

10.6.1 Telecommunications are intrinsic to how we now live and work. Access to good broadband and telephone services are essential for business, learning and communities, and provision of high-speed broadband services is a key component of a successful economy.

10.6.2 National policy supports the development of digital and communications infrastructure in planning for sustainable places.[151] This form of development should be carefully sited, with regard to local amenity, heritage and landscape. The mobile phone network and coverage has increased in importance with the reliance on mobile technology to stay in contact and do business through mobile phones and tablets.

10.6.3 The Government's UK Wireless Infrastructure Strategy (2023) has an ambition to deliver nationwide coverage of standalone 5G to all populated areas by 2030.[152] The Government's UK Digital Strategy seeks to accelerate the commercial delivery and nationwide gigabit broadband, aiming to achieve at least 99% gigabit coverage by 2030, and ensuring that rural areas are not left behind.[153]

10.6.4 Medway Council is working with Kent County Council on Project Gigabit the Broadband Delivery UK programme to provide connections offering download speeds of connections offering download speeds of 1 Gigabit per second (Gbps) or 1000 megabits per second (Mbps). There is currently coverage of 8% of properties across Medway.[154],[155]

10.6.5 There are still issues within the provision of the broadband across Medway. Statistics indicate that there are areas of disparity within Medway with a rural urban split.[156] Medway is generally well served by mobile network coverage. Data (3G-5G) and voice coverage is nearly absolute. However there are weak spots across on the Hoo Peninsula for both voice calls and 4G/5G coverage.[157]

10.6.6 The Council aims to maximise economic growth and deliver the required infrastructure through, amongst other elements, gigabit capable broadband. This will help the Council to achieve its ambitions for quality jobs and a growing economy.[158]

10.6.7 The development and enhancement of digital communications will assist Medway's economic ambitions. Improving coverage and reducing weak spots of the mobile network and gigabit capable broadband will also attract more investment across these areas, in addition to helping residents in their connections.

Policy DM22: Digital Communications

For Medway to achieve its economic and social potential and maintain its status as a well-connected place in which to live and work, the Council will seek to develop and enhance the provision of broadband and telecommunications infrastructure coverage across Medway.

All new major development proposals (residential, employment and commercial) should:

  • Ensure that there is full fibre to the premise.
  • Have confirmed with broadband providers that a connection can be made to the development.
  • Be ready for 5G technology and gigabit capable broadband with the relevant infrastructure in place, where relevant.

Evidence of this shall be submitted as part of a planning application.

If none of the above is possible, reasoned justification as to why this is not possible should be given as part of a planning application and then alternative methods to deliver gigabit capable broadband used instead. These include other forms of infrastructure, such as facilities supporting mobile broadband and wi-fi to support gigabit capable broadband.

Exceptions to this policy will need to be justified with evidence submitted to the Council for consideration.

10.6.8 During previous stages of consultation, comments were received on the need to address deficiencies within existing infrastructure and current service improvements. Policies can be developed in order to manage this infrastructure moving forward so that deficiencies do not occur in the future. This can be best achieved through the provision of digital infrastructure within a development.

10.6.9 The government has recognised the role of effective high-speed broadband in supporting and driving the economy. It has invested in its Broadband Delivery UK programme to extend gigabit broadband coverage across the UK and has introduced a broadband Universal Service Obligation so that from 2020 everyone across the UK has a clear, enforceable right to request high speed broadband.[159]

10.6.10 In March 2017, the Government released its 5th Generation (5G) Strategy for the UK, with the rollout of the next generation of mobile networks continuing the Council will work with the telecommunications industry to agree suitable provision and shared guidance on the 5G rollout. The Government also recognises that 4G will continue to have an important role to play in delivering mobile connectivity which the Council will continue to support.[160]

10.6.11 In terms of actual connections and intended providers, applicants should engage with network providers from the outset to ensure the needs of the service (including new ducting) can be introduced alongside other on-site infrastructure works as part of new developments to ensure the most efficient and viable approach is taken to securing connectivity.

[136] Projecting Older People Population Information. Available at https://www.poppi.org.uk/ [Accessed 28 June 2024]

[137] Kent and Medway Integrated Care System (2022). Kent and Medway Interim Integrated Care Strategy . Available at https://www.kmhealthandcare.uk/application/files/5216/8476/6108/Kent_and_Medway_Interim_Integrated_Care_Strategy.pdf [Accessed 28 June 2024]

[138] Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (2023). National Planning Policy Framework. Available at https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/65a11af7e8f5ec000f1f8c46/NPPF_December_2023.pdf [Accessed 28 June 2024]

[139] Ibid

[140] Public Health England (2017). Spatial Planning for Health: An Evidence Resource for Planning and Designing Healthier Places. Available at https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5b59b090e5274a3ff828c70c/spatial_planning_for_health.pdf [Accessed 28 June 2024]

[141] Sport England (2023). Active Design. Available at https://www.sportengland.org/guidance-and-support/facilities-and-planning/design-and-cost-guidance/active-design?section=foundational_principle_-_activity_for_all [Accessed 28 June 2024]

[142] Medway Council. Child-friendly Medway. Available at https://www.medway.gov.uk/childfriendly [Accessed 28 June 2024]

[143] Medway Council (2024). About the Local Plan: Local Plan Evidence Base. Available at https://www.medway.gov.uk/info/200542/medway_local_plan_2041/1681/about_the_local_plan/4 [Accessed 28 June 2024]

[144] Fields In Trust (2020). Guidance for Outdoor Sport and Play: Beyond the Six Acre Standard – England. Available at https://fieldsintrust.org/insights/policy-hub/guidance-for-outdoor-sport-play [Accessed 28 June 2024]

[145] Homes England (2023). Inclusive Spaces and Places For Girls and Young People: An Introduction for Local Government. Available at https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6398afa2ae5518732f04f791/649a965c4611586b90cc4760_Homes%20England%20Inclusive%20Spaces%20MSFG.pdf [Accessed 28 June 2024]

[146] Medway Council (2017). Sports Facility Strategy and Action Plan. Available at https://www.medway.gov.uk/download/downloads/id/2584/medway_council_sports_facility_strategy_and_action_plan.pdf [Accessed 28 June 2024]

[147] Medway Council (2020). Medway Cultural Strategy 2020-2030: Full Report. Available at https://www.medway.gov.uk/info/200182/arts_and_heritage/1596/medway_cultural_strategy [Accessed 28 June 2024]

[148] Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (2023). National Planning Policy Framework. Available at https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/65a11af7e8f5ec000f1f8c46/NPPF_December_2023.pdf [Accessed 28 June 2024]

[149] Campaign for Real Ale (2015). Public House Viability Test. Available at https://camra.org.uk/campaign_resources/public-house-viability-test/ [Accessed 28 June 2024]

[150] Planning Act 2008. Available at https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2008/29/contents [Accessed 28 June 2024]

[151] Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (2023). National Planning Policy Framework. Available at https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/65a11af7e8f5ec000f1f8c46/NPPF_December_2023.pdf [Accessed 28 June 2024]

[152] Department for Science, Innovation & Technology (2023). UK Wireless Infrastructure Strategy . Available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-wireless-infrastructure-strategy/uk-wireless-infrastructure-strategy [Accessed 28 June 2024]

[153] Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (2022). UK Digital Strategy. Available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uks-digital-strategy/uk-digital-strategy [Accessed 28 June 2024]

[154] Kent County Council. Project Gigabit. Available at https://www.kent.gov.uk/leisure-and-community/broadband/project-gigabit [Accessed 28 June 2024]

[155] ThinkBroadband. Local Broadband Information. Available at https://labs.thinkbroadband.com/local/E06000035 [Accessed 28 June 2024]

[156] House of Commons Library (2024). Constituency Data: Broadband Coverage and Speeds. Available at https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/constituency-data-broadband-coverage-and-speeds/ [Accessed 28 June 2024]

[157] Ofcom (2023). Connected Nations UK Report 2023. Available at https://www.ofcom.org.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0022/273721/connected-nations-2023-uk.pdf [Accessed 28 June 2024]

[158] Medway Council. Medway 2035. Available at https://www.medway.gov.uk/downloads/file/3615/medway_2035 [Accessed 28 June 2024]

[159] Ofcom (2023). Connected Nations UK Report 2023. Available at https://www.ofcom.org.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0022/273721/connected-nations-2023-uk.pdf [Accessed 28 June 2024]

[160] Department for Science, Innovation & Technology (2023). UK Wireless Infrastructure Strategy . Available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-wireless-infrastructure-strategy/uk-wireless-infrastructure-strategy [Accessed 28 June 2024]

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