Medway Local Plan (Regulation 19, 2025)

Policy SA1: Chatham Town Centre and Surrounds Comment

Objective

1. In delivering on its residential potential, opportunity sites within Chatham Town Centre can also provide a mix of uses, public realm improvements and more to support sustainable in-centre living, shopping and working. Development will be guided by the following:

Criteria

2. Total site area: 11.78ha
3. Collectively these identified small to medium sized sites will deliver circa 1,350 new homes predominantly within the early part of the plan period.
4. The redevelopment of these brownfield, underused and vacant sites will be encouraged where in accordance with other relevant policies in this Local Plan and principles within the Chatham Design Code (2024) and the Chatham Town Centre Masterplan (2019).
5. Housing mix and Affordable Housing provision will be provided in accordance with policies T2 and T3 respectively. As part of the wider housing strategy, the provision of supported housing, students, older persons and specialist needs will be supported where considered appropriate.
6. Mixed use schemes with active frontages within the centre will be supported, particularly along the high street to continue to encourage positive footfall into the centre and support in-centre working and living.
7. Proposals should, in demonstrating compliance with policy S1, explore the potential to re-use or renovate existing buildings rather than demolishing and rebuilding them, to minimise embodied carbon emissions.
8. Proposals must demonstrate appropriate mitigations and adaptations to the risk of flooding.
9. Ensure air quality is appropriately addressed through the proposal design particularly in the identified Air Quality Management Area (AQMA).
10. Ensure proposals are informed by appropriate scoped heritage, landscape and townscape assessments.
    1. Site FP10 is within the setting of scheduled monuments and must demonstrate its contribution to heritage significance.
    2. Site FP25 has an opportunity to reveal much about the history of Chatham through sensitive design. The scale of development will need to be carefully and sensitively considered to avoid impacting upon designated heritage and listed buildings.
11. Contribute toward the provision of green-blue infrastructure and suitable walking and cycling links to improve accessibility, health and well-being objectives.

Subsequent design principles

12. Demonstrate consideration of the historic environment and the townscape by submitting with a planning application, a:
    1. Views analysis

landscape and townscape assessments that has been used to inform the design of the scheme

13. Site FP25 must be supported by a masterplan alongside a planning application
14. Sites CCB49 and GS2 must provide a Heritage, Townscape and Visual Impact Assessment alongside a planning application
15. Flood Risk Assessment

Site-specific information

Policy SA2: Heritage-led Sites Comment

Objective

1. Medway is rich in heritage and prides itself in protecting, celebrating and enhancing this. Two strategic heritage led site allocations will provide an opportunity to sensitively deliver on housing targets whilst respecting its heritage context, i.e. Interface land and Star Hill to Sun Pier. Development proposals will be guided by the following:

Criteria

2. Interface Land:
   1. Combined site areas: 5.3 ha
   2. Combined site capacity: Circa 150 new homes as part of a mixed use development
   3. Both sites are within the setting of a number of scheduled monuments and Dockyard buildings and also contain undesignated archaeology. Mixed use schemes must respond positively to the historic and locational context and be compliant with the Interface Land Supplementary Planning document (SPD)
   4. Development will need to be compliant with relevant Local Plan policies including but not limited to heritage DM10 and S8, housing mix T2, affordable housing T3, design T1, DM5, DM6 and S14
   5. Development should seek to reinforce the historic character of the northern end of the Dockyard, currently the focus of timber management associated with the construction of ships.
3. Star hill to Sunpier:
   1. Combined site areas: 3.68 ha
   2. Combined site capacity: circa 474 new homes
   3. Development will need to be compliant with the Star Hill to Sun Pier Development Framework, relevant Conservation Area Appraisal and Management plan and relevant Local Plan policies including but not limited to S9, S8, DM10.
   4. The historic setting and context will be appropriately addressed:
      1. Proposals on site FP1 should seek to retain and reuse existing historic buildings and where possible reinforce and reveal areas of now lost historic landscape.
      2. Development on site FP11 should reinforce and reveal the special historic character of the conservation area, avoiding taller and bulky built forms.
4. Proposals should, in demonstrating compliance with policy S1, explore the potential to re-use or renovate existing buildings rather than demolishing and rebuilding them, to minimise embodied carbon emissions.

Subsequent design principles

5. Archaeological desk-based assessment and evaluation will be required where necessary to inform detailed proposals alongside planning applications.
6. Compliance with Interface Land SPD
7. Compliance with relevant Conservation Area Appraisals and Management Plans
8. Compliance with Star Hill to Sun Pier Development Framework

Site-specific information

Policy SA3: Gillingham District Centre Comment

Objective

1. Infill development in Gillingham District Centre will support sustainable growth objectives. Development proposals will be guided by the following:

Criteria

2. Site area: 0.465 ha
3. Will deliver circa 100 new homes within the first 5 years of the plan period
4. Proposals will demonstrate compliance with the Gillingham masterplan 2019 or more up to date guidance where relevant
5. The small infill developments must be developed in accordance with the relevant Local Plan policies
6. Mixed use schemes will be supported where active frontages encourage footfall, support the vitality and vibrancy of the centre and encourages centre living.
7. Student accommodation and facilities would be supported due to its proximity to universities
8. Proposals should, in demonstrating compliance with policy S1, explore the potential to re-use or renovate existing buildings rather than demolishing and rebuilding them, to minimise embodied carbon emissions.
9. Opportunities must be sought to connect walking and cycle routes to connect to destinations including universities and with the proposed Gillingham Greenway as a rich green resource for residents to improve health and connectivity to the waterfront and riverside walk.

Subsequent design principles

10. Demonstrate compliance with relevant guidance

Site-specific information

Policy SA4: River Waterfront Comment

Objective

1. Development will deliver greater accessibility for residents to the waterfront through increased permeability and connectivity between the sites and the surrounding area. This will take the form of a strong greenway link to Gillingham District centre and a riverside walk connecting St Marys island to the Strand, which is the missing link to provide a comprehensive riverside walk to the rest of Medway. In doing so, development will strongly be supporting health, accessibility, amenity objectives and improving quality environments for future residents and existing.

Criteria

2. Development proposals will deliver up to 4,197 new homes:
   1. The mix of housing will be provided in line with Housing Policy T2 and T3, reflecting the communities' needs as evidenced in the Medway Local Housing Needs Assessment, 2025.
   2. Within the wider housing strategy, the Council would require this scale of growth to meet a wide range of housing needs, including specialist provision for older people (policy T4) and student accommodation (policy T5).
   3. Accommodation for older people could be complimented by accessible services and facilities including convenience retail where justified and the required sequential and impact tests are satisfied.
3. Proposals should, in demonstrating compliance with policy S1, explore the potential to re-use or renovate existing buildings rather than demolishing and rebuilding them, to minimise embodied carbon emissions.
4. Any enhancement in waterfront accessibility will have no adverse impact upon the integrity of the North Kent Marshes designations (and Functionally Linked Land), either alone or in-combination.
5. The waterfront sites sit in a very hard, urban context with little green infrastructure particularly along the rivers edge. The development sites present an opportunity, as a transition zone, to bring in green infrastructure from north of Pier Road and blending in between the built form of proposals toward the rivers edge. This will help reverse the potentially unwelcoming riverside façade and enable the provision of an attractive riverside walk.
6. Building heights must be assessed as part of a composed skyline that works with local and distant relationships:
   1. Proposed building heights shall positively respond and relate to the existing built form in immediate and close proximity to the site and visibility from natural landscapes from a distance like Riverside Country Park and Cockham Community Parkland.
   2. The height of development on site GN6 must not be overbearing in relation to the neighbouring Strand. Its relationship with the Strand should be more gentle without adversely impacting on the Strands' amenity.
7. A Green-blue infrastructure strategy will inform place-making and the design and layout of proposals:
   1. Development will respond to its setting by addressing the inadequate provision of green space. Proposals will be required to soften the location with amenity space, landscape and public realm treatments, extending from Pier Road and between built form through to the rivers edge.
   2. Delivery of the Gillingham Greenway will connect the new growth allocation to Gillingham District Centre, supporting access to the riverside, sustainability and healthier lifestyles.
   3. SM16 should maximise the opportunity to provide a generous amount of high quality, publicly accessible green infrastructure as a resource for the public to enjoy as part of the riverside walk.
8. The urban context will not provide for adequate space to meet all the requirements for open space and playing pitch provision in line with the Field in Trust standards.
   1. Amenity space, equipped and informal play will be provided in accordance with policy DM21
   2. Provision of natural and semi-natural green space could be provided off-site or as enhancements to the Strand and/or Riverside Country Park.
   3. financial contribution will be sought for the provision or enhancement of outdoor sports provision
9. Connections will aim to bring the developments together to create a natural continuity between the west (St Mary's Island) and the east (The Strand), as well as between the north (Waterfront) and the south (Town / local communities)
   1. Proposals will work together to create far reaching links, bringing pedestrians and movements towards the rivers edge as well as joining the areas along the riverside.
   2. The Gillingham Greenway will provide the main substantial link to the wider Gillingham area alongside a network of natural routes as set out in the concept plan. The foundation of the network of routes currently exist and will require enhancements.
   3. A network of safe, attractive connections to key destinations will ensure well used routes and support sustainability and health objectives.
10. The rivers edge is a manmade frontage with an inadequate provision of green infrastructure or natural features that could assist in flood mitigation.
    1. Delivery of the scale of housing on GN15 will require land reclamation, enabling the reconfiguration of the boat moorings. This will create opportunities to enhance ecological sustainability in the area.
    2. Flood mitigation and/or a flood defence wall will be required to enable delivery
11. Issues on contamination on GN6 will require remediation to ensure safe, accessible and healthy development.
12. The underground infrastructure will also need to be addressed to ensure ease of access and optimisation of the site for development. The current placement of gas pipes could have implications for the layout and placement of buildings.
13. The design and layout of streets will follow a legible hierarchy that maximise opportunities for pedestrian and cycling.
    1. Main accesses will be taken off Pier Road for all sites.
    2. Provision for emergency accesses must be addressed to ensure the sites are serviceable.
    3. All sites should be sustainably accessed and demonstrate a 10% modal shift
    4. Proposals shall explore alternative parking solutions to more sustainable transport options including bus stops, tram links, cycle hubs, walk ways, uber/taxi hubs and other transit initiatives.
    5. In addition to the walkway along the riverfront, developments will need to demonstrate high degrees of permeability through segregated walking and cycle ways connecting to other key destinations and other.
14. Site SM16 presents an opportunity for heritage led regeneration that draws on the sites history as an important anchor in the Dockyards later development, while simultaneously offering a great opportunity to support large scale growth.
    1. A development brief based on a thorough understanding of the site's heritage and its setting would help de-risk future development and allow for the proper planning of new development that is sympathetic to Medway's historic environment as a whole.

Subsequent design principles

15. The applicants for sites GN6, GN15 and SMI6 will collaborate to produce a masterplan, to be approved by Medway Council, to guide subsequent planning applications and further approval of details.
16. A comprehensive approach to site development will be expected, informed by an approved master plan, which demonstrates how the policy and infrastructure requirements set out in the respective plans relating to the site as whole, with a phasing plan, will be achieved.
17. Preparation of an infrastructure delivery plan / phasing plan
18. Development shall be phased broadly instep with infrastructure delivery plan and phasing plan
19. Any application for development on part of the site shall accord with the adopted master plan and shall not prejudice the implementation of the site as a whole.
20. Delivery will be secured through a legal agreement.
21. S106 – provision of financial contributions towards the provision of infrastructure, including additional primary and secondary school places in accordance with the latest IDP
22. Potential funding from Homes England could support:
    1. land reclamation
    2. Flood defence wall
    3. Address contamination
    4. Address underground infrastructure
    5. Delivery of the Green Greenway connecting the waterfront to Gillingham District council

Site-specific information

Policy SA5: Strood Town Centre and Surrounds Comment

Objective

1. Strood District Centre will undergo significant change. Delivery of a robust transport interchange alongside significant new growth will support it becoming an attractive and highly accessible destination of choice for living, working and enjoying. Development will be guided by the following:

Criteria

2. Site area: 21.17ha
3. Identified sites will deliver circa 1,079 new homes
4. Development proposals shall demonstrate compliance with relevant Local Plan policies, The Strood Waterfront Development Brief (2018) and the Strood Town centre masterplan 2019 and/or updated guidance where relevant
5. Proposals should, in demonstrating compliance with policy S1, explore the potential to re-use or renovate existing buildings rather than demolishing and rebuilding them, to minimise embodied carbon emissions.
6. A transport interchange will be provided:
   1. This will provide a destination for a Bus Rapid Transit corridor connection with Hoo St Werburgh ensuring wider accessibility to communities and supporting sustainable movements.
   2. Sites within or adjacent to the centre should be explored to provide the transport interchange
   3. Will be supported by a network of pedestrian and cycle links and supported by a frequent and reliable bus service
7. Greater accessibility to London Victoria services will be achieved by delivering improvements to Strood rail station by way of new platforms and improved pedestrian access.
8. SNF41 will include a commercial use within the residential led scheme to support the rail station.
9. The increase in housing provision will require an expanded/improved/new Healthy living centre at SNF20
10. Clustered together (SNF9, SNF15, SNF17), these sites represent a significant mixed use redevelopment opportunity for Strood Town Centre that could reinforce and reveal its historic townscape and deliver on housing, retail and commercial requirements. Proposals must be supported by a comprehensive masterplan.
11. SNF34 combined with the Council owned civic site (SNF35), a prominent riverside site, be deliver a residential-led scheme
    1. The provision of appropriate supporting commercial uses including leisure and food/drink opportunities to enliven street/riverside frontages and public spaces will be supported.
    2. it has the opportunity to respectfully and sensitively address Rochester Castle and its setting in delivering a reimagined entrance into Strood District Centre. It is essential that proposals demonstrate an understanding of the historic significance of the site and its surrounding and be supported by a views analysis.
12. Will ensure flood risk is appropriately mitigated and managed to support development
13. The provision of usable open space will be optimised where possible to support a healthier, sustainable and attractive environment for communities to enjoy living in.

Subsequent design principles

14. The applicants for sites SNF9, SNF15, SNF17, SNF34, SNF35 and SNF41 will collaborate to produce a masterplan, to be approved by Medway Council, to guide subsequent planning applications and further approval of details.
15. £75k has been secured from Homes England for Strood Riverside. This has funded a transport study to inform the local infrastructure improvements required and a masterplan. A detailed design of the transport interchange will be required and informed by the masterplan.
16. S106 contributions will be sought toward the delivery of infrastructure
17. A Green infrastructure strategy and open space strategy will support a planning application.
18. The Transport interchange will need to be supported by an access strategy alongside a planning application.

Site-specific information

Policy SA6: Land West of Strood Comment

Objective

1. Land West of Strood together with Chapter Farm (Gravesham Borough Council), will provide a comprehensive cross border sustainable location for growth, which transitions between the urban edge of Strood and the Green Belt and maintains the identity of the rural settlement of Three Crutches.
2. Medway Council will work collaboratively with Gravesham Borough Council to deliver this strategic cross border Green Belt site providing up to 4,000 new homes, two primary schools, an expansion of an existing primary school, a secondary school, 2 hectares of employment and a local centre , 2 football pitches and indoor sports provision.

Criteria

3. Will deliver up to 1,280 new Medway homes within the plan period:
   1. The housing density must reflect the transition from urban to countryside ensuring densities are gradually lowered toward the countryside edges
   2. The housing mix must be in compliance with The Local Housing Need Assessment and policy T2 in providing for the needs of the community.
   3. Affordable Housing will be provided in accordance with the Golden Rules.
4. Proposals shall demonstrate a landscape led approach, which takes account of:
   1. The countryside context, key landscape characteristics, views, the significance of heritage assets and the setting of the Kent Downs National Landscape.
   2. The landscaping will be planted at an early stage of the development and provide new habitats for priority nature conservation species and be appropriate to landscape character.
   3. a substantial buffer along the A289 is provided to enhance the transition into the Green Belt and provide a noise mitigation.
5. A Green-blue infrastructure strategy will shape placemaking by supporting the design and layout of proposals:
   1. The development design will respond to its countryside setting, the landscape and topography
   2. Maximise opportunities for provision of high quality and publicly accessible multi-functional green-blue infrastructure, biodiversity enhancements and SuDS
   3. It will deliver on:
      1. environmental gains Biodiversity Net Gain (10% minimum)
      2. and ecological enhancements in line with the Local Nature Recovery Strategy priorities.
6. The design and layout of streets will follow a legible hierarchy for maximum bus accessibility and pedestrian movement:
   1. The primary access points will be taken off Gravesend Road, the A2 (Watling Street) and Stone Horse Lane to provide the main through routes.
   2. Multi-modal access will be facilitated by lower order roads
   3. Old Watling Street, Crutches Lane and Strodes Close will be improved to support walking and cycling access
7. Proposals will encourage sustainable habits and ensure a strong sense of place by delivering a connected development informed by a strategic access strategy, which will:
   1. prioritise active travel, well designed parking solutions and multi-modal access into and out of the site supported by an integrated public transport and cycle/mobility hub with a reliable and frequent bus service and cycle/mobility hub
   2. Opportunities to establish a reliable and frequent bus service must include the exploration of Fast Track to serve the area west of Gravesend Road.
   3. explore the opportunity to widen and segregate cycle route NC177 in the provision of a walking and cycling network
   4. provide attractive walking and cycling links between the existing Strood District Centre, the new development and the surrounding countryside including linkages with NNRs and LNRs, other destinations and points of interest.
8. Proposals for the area to the west of Gravesend Road shall have regard for the heritage significance of Chapter Farm and its setting. Proposals shall ensure that the historic administrative boundary is protected and enhanced.
9. The co-location of uses will provide an attractive location for investment and support convenience, accessibility and sustainability.
   1. Provision of a local centre is preferred centrally on the western side of Gravesend Road. This centre will include convenience retail to meet the day to day needs of residents, complementary retail and community uses (use classes Eb-Ef, F2) and an active travel cycle/mobility hub.
   2. 2 hectares of employment provision co-located with the centre on the western side of Gravesend Road, providing flexibility to accommodate commercial uses serving the local community (use Classes Eb-Eg, F2).
   3. Provision must be of appropriate scale, format and type that is sensitive to the countryside location and provides an appropriate response to the setting of the Kent Downs National Landscape.
   4. Development will be set within green infrastructure and appropriate connections through segregated walking and cycling routes, bus linkages.
10. The development will provide for new education facilities in accordance with the latest IDP:
    1. two two-form entry primary schools
    2. An expansion of one-form entry to Temple Hill Primary school
    3. an eight-form entry secondary school

Consideration will be given to efficient use of land in the delivery of an all-through school, which would include a three-form entry primary school plus an eight-form entry secondary school.

11. New open space and playing pitches will be provided in accordance with the Fields in Trust (FIT) standards as set out in policy DM21. Allotment provision will be required at a standard of 0.25ha/1000 people.
    1. The development will incorporate publicly accessible, well-managed and high quality open spaces, which are linked to the open countryside and adjoining settlements.
    2. Provision will include two football pitches (one of which must be 3G) with associated changing room facilities, which can be co-located with the education infrastructure.
    3. Proposals will provide a replacement indoor sports facility.
    4. There is an opportunity to co-locate or include the sports pitches and indoor sports facility within the schools. A Community Use Agreement with a new Primary or Secondary schools would help to ensure access to sports infrastructure and a more efficient use of land.

Subsequent design principles

12. The applicants for sites SNF1, SNF3 and SR5 will collaborate to produce a landscape-led masterplan, to be approved by Medway Council and Gravesham Borough Council to guide subsequent planning applications and further approval of details.
13. A comprehensive approach to site development will be expected, informed by an approved master plan, which demonstrates how the policy and infrastructure requirements set out in the respective plans relating to the site as whole, with a phasing plan, will be achieved.
14. Preparation of an infrastructure delivery plan / phasing plan
15. Development shall be phased broadly instep with infrastructure delivery plan and phasing plan
16. Any application for development on part of the site shall accord with the approved masterplan and shall not prejudice the implementation of the site as a whole.
17. Delivery will be secured through a legal agreement.
18. S106 – provision of financial contributions towards the provision of infrastructure, including additional primary and secondary school places in accordance with the latest IDP.
19. An access strategy must be informed by audits into Strood District Centre and other destination points like supermarkets etc..

Site-specific information

Policy SA7: Capstone Valley Comment

Objective

1. By 2041, the Capstone Valley will comprise a sustainable urban extension of up to 3,958 new homes, a primary school, a secondary school and a local centre. Biodiversity and public access to open space will be improved. A connection between North Dane Way and M2 Junction 4 will provide for an orbital bus route.

Criteria

2. Mill Fields (LW8) will include:
   1. 2.4 ha of land for a new three-form entry primary school, phased in the latter part of the plan period, in accordance with the latest IDP.
   2. A local centre commensurate with a new community of 2,330 new homes, including provision of convenience floorspace that meets the day-to-day needs of the local community only.
3. Abbotts Court Farm (HW3) will include 10 ha of land for a new secondary school, phased in the first five years of the plan period, in accordance with the latest IDP.
   1. Mature vegetation cover at the northern boundary of Abbotts Court Farm (HW3) will be retained to screen new development from Chapel Lane allotment gardens.
4. Medway Council will consider opportunities for self-build and custom housebuilding in the disposal of Abbotts Court Farm (HW3).
5. As per Policy DM21, new open space and playing pitches will be provided in line with the Fields in Trust (2024) standards, plus 0.25 ha for new allotment gardens.
   1. A green infrastructure strategy and an approved masterplan will determine how much natural and semi-natural open space will be provided on-site.
   2. Most of the required natural and semi-natural open space is expected to be provided off-site at Darland Farm, with Capstone Farm Country Park improved as a biodiversity asset.
      1. Darland Farm will be protected as natural and semi-natural open space in perpetuity. Darland Farm may also provide for off-site Biodiversity Net Gain credits.
      2. New development edges, buffer strips and access to Capstone Farm Country Park will be agreed with Medway Council.
6. A green infrastructure strategy will inform the overall design and layout.
   1. A review of historic landscape components, such as past land divisions, field parcels, boundaries, shaws, hedgerows and woodland, will provide a foundation for subsequent masterplanning.
   2. Internal landscaping will respond to the local landscape character, including multifunctional ecological, drainage and active travel corridors.
   3. The specification of buffer strips close to Ancient Woodland will be agreed with Natural England and Medway Council.
   4. The provision of street trees – plus the design, placement and species to be used – will be aligned with a street hierarchy.
   5. The management of green infrastructure will be secured by Section 106 agreement.
7. An open space strategy, including long-term management plans, will identify opportunities for an on-site community sports hub and off-site outdoor sports provision.
   1. A Community Use Agreement with the new primary and secondary schools would help to ensure access to playing pitches and the most efficient use of land.
8. North Dane Way will connect to M2 Junction 4 via a spine road through Lidsing.
9. New development will have appropriate interfaces with Elm Court and Capstone Farm Country Park.
10. The design and layout of streets will provide for maximum bus accessibility and connections to an orbital bus route.

Subsequent design principles

11. The Capstone Valley Concept Plan shows an indicative layout.
12. The applicant will produce a landscape-led masterplan, to be approved by Medway Council, to guide subsequent planning applications and further approval of details. The masterplan will be informed by a green infrastructure strategy and an open space strategy.

Site-specific information

Policy SA8: Hoo St Werburgh and Chattenden Comment

Objectives

1. By 2041 Hoo St Werburgh will have strengthened its role in serving local residents and wider villages across the Hoo Peninsula. Sustainable development will provide around 4,700 new homes, aligned with improvements in transport, community services and facilities, retail, and new job opportunities. Growth in Chattenden will provide for 600 new homes and new and enhanced services.
2. Development will be landscape led, responding sensitively to the natural surroundings and the area's heritage.
3. The separation of Hoo and Chattenden as distinct settlements will be secured through a strategic landscape corridor.
4. Development will provide for distinctive neighbourhoods, with strong connections to the existing and new settlements.

Criteria

5. Development will come forward in accordance with a strategic masterplan for Hoo and Chattenden, providing a framework for design, landscape and green infrastructure, heritage, services, employment, transport, infrastructure, defining distinctive neighbourhoods and centres.
6. Development will be delivered in phases across the plan period, and extend beyond into the 2040s. Infrastructure delivery is linked to the phased growth, with triggers identified in the Hoo Peninsula Infrastructure Plan.
7. Development will provide for a mix of housing, in line with Policy T2 Housing Mix and reflecting the communities' needs as evidenced in the Medway Local Housing Needs Assessment, 2025, or subsequent evidence updates. The Council expects this scale of growth to meet a wide range of housing needs, including specialist provision for older people and people with disabilities, and self build and custom housing.

Centres and retail

8. Development will contribute to a network of centres across Hoo and Chattenden, with a main centre strengthening Hoo's role as a focus for services for its residents and the wider Hoo Peninsula, supported by smaller centres at neighbourhood level.
9. Land at HHH19 is allocated for the development of Deangate Retail Park, with up to 50,000 sqf GIA retail floorspace (Class Ea), principally providing for a 25,000 sqf GIA supermarket to cater for the Hoo Peninsula, with other retail and ancillary food and drink (Class Eb) of up to 7,500 sqf GIA. This will be accompanied with a new pedestrian crossing over the A228 and associated traffic calming measures, providing access to the new retail park and the wider Deangate area.
10. Land to the east of Hoo (HHH22) is identified as the preferred location for the main centre. This will provide a key destination for residents, with community services, such as health and leisure, accessible and attractive walking and cycling links, including to the new secondary school.
11. Development coming forward in the defined neighbourhoods will align with the strategic masterplan and provide for a network of small centres with uses to meet daily needs of residents without adversely impacting upon existing centres, specifically the established Hoo village centre.

Infrastructure

12. Developers will be required to support the delivery of an Infrastructure Plan for Hoo and Chattenden, providing for the phased implementation of services. Development will deliver a wide range of community services and infrastructure, reflecting the needs arising from the scale of planned growth in the context of the existing village offer. This will include provision for:

• A new six-form entry secondary school in accordance with the latest IDP.
• A new two-form entry/1 three-form entry primary school in accordance with the latest IDP.
• Relocation of Chattenden Primary School, with expansion to two-form entry in accordance with the latest IDP.
• A Healthy Living Centre
• A new community centre/hub and investment in increasing capacity in current facilities
• New indoor sports and leisure facility

• Outdoor sports and recreation facilities, including improvements to Deangate Running Track

Transport

13. Development shall be designed to ensure strong integration and permeability for pedestrians, cyclists and provision for improved public transport to the surrounding residential neighbourhoods and villages by providing high quality and maintained active travel routes.
14. Development will support the improvement of bus services to provide effective sustainable transport links for Hoo and surrounding villages, with consideration of expansion of fast-track bus services linked to the urban area. Land will be safeguarded to the east of Hoo for a future potential use of the freight line for passenger traffic.
15. In addition to site specific transport requirements, developers will contribute to the delivery of highways mitigations to provide capacity to accommodate growth at:
    1. Four Elms roundabout
    2. Main Road, Hoo, junction with A228
    3. Dux Court Road/Bells Lane junction with A228
    4. Ropers Lane junction with A228

Environment and heritage

16. Development will be landscape led. Growth will be directed within a strategic environmental framework that will define the outward development of Hoo and Chattenden. This will provide an effective buffer to sensitive habitats and connect people to the countryside and coast. The strategy will provide opportunities for sustainable drainage measures to enhance the place-making and character of new development, and provide an integrated approach to the delivery of BNG and strategic mitigation.
17. A green infrastructure strategy will inform the design of development, reflecting the neighbourhood approach, and providing connections to surrounding rural area. This will draw on the area's heritage, providing a long-term management plan for historic assets.
18. Along with the strategic masterplan development framework, Historic England England's 'Hoo Peninsula Historic Landscape Project' should be referred to in all applications to demonstrate an understanding of and response to the unique character of the rural area. Where appropriate, provision should be made for enhanced interpretation, particularly for WWII era sites, buried and standing. The military heritage of the Hoo Stop Line will be reflected in green infrastructure planning.
19. A strategic environmental management plan will be prepared and approved by the Council and Natural England to provide the basis for an integrated programme of measures to safeguard and strengthen the natural environment around Hoo and Chattenden, particularly the SPA, Ramsar sites and SSSIs. Development will contribute towards the implementation of the strategic programme to provide for sustainable development, and contribute to meeting the requirements of PoliciesyS2 and S3) This will include the delivery of:

• Deangate Community Parkland
• Cockham Community Parkland
• Hoo Wetlands

20. There is potential to deliver a district heating network to support sustainable energy infrastructure. This will be further explored and reflected in the strategic development framework and masterplan.

Employment

21. In addition to the strategic employment sites at Kingsnorth (Policy SA14), development in Hoo and Chattenden will provide for a mix of smaller scale employment land, to provide for balanced growth. This will be located at Deangate Retail Park, east of Hoo, and in conjunction with the neighbourhood centres.

Subsequent design principles

3. Medway Council and the Hoo Consortium, and wider developers will collaborate to produce a Hoo Planning Framework, including a masterplan, to guide planning applications and further approval of details.Site-specific information

Policy SA9: High Halstow Comment

Objective

1. By 2041, High Halstow will have grown as a village, providing up to 820 new homes, a new primary school, attractive multi-functional green infrastructure and an additional centre providing commercial and community services. New development will be successfully integrated with the existing village and the surrounding countryside.

Criteria

2. Development of the two sites (HHH26 and HHH29) will be brought forward in accordance with a masterplan for the combined area.
3. Development will be designed to successfully integrate new and existing communities in the village, through design and community facilities. Development should ensure maximum connectivity and permeability between the site and existing village, such that it is well-integrated with and becomes part of the village, optimising connectivity to and the viability of the village centre.
4. Development will retain the distinct identity of High Halstow as an historic village, and avoid coalescence with nearby settlements, through planning for landscape buffers and interface with the countryside setting, seeking opportunities to enhance landscape character.
5. Any new development should respect the village feel, should be of a high quality of design and provide defined character areas that reflect variety in house types, layout, density and landscaping.
6. Housing shall meet local needs, with reference to the Medway Local Housing Needs Assessment, 2025, and other local evidence, such as in the preparation of the Neighbourhood Plan, or subsequent updates. Development will provide a mix of types and designs of homes, including houses, bungalows, affordable homes and opportunities for self-build.
7. Development will provide for a new two form entry primary school in accordance with the latest IDP, located by the new centre, with clear and attractive links to the existing village. The additional centre will complement the historic village centre, and provide space for retail, wider commercial and community facilities.
8. Development will be landscape-led and respond to the countryside setting and provide high quality green infrastructure that retains the rural character of the village, and embeds sustainable drainage and active travel in the design.
9. New open space will be provided in accordance with the Fields in Trust standards as set out in Policy DM21, and designed to integrate with the rural setting.
10. Development shall be designed to ensure strong integration and permeability for pedestrians, cyclists and provision for improved public transport.
11. Development will support the improvement of bus services to provide effective sustainable transport links for the village, with consideration of expansion of fast-track bus services linked to the urban area.
12. The primary vehicular access will be from the roundabout by Christmas Lane. In addition to site specific transport requirements, developers will contribute to the delivery of highways mitigations to provide capacity to accommodate growth at:

• Four Elms roundabout
• Main Road, Hoo, junction with A228
• Dux Court Road/Bells Lane junction with A228
• Ropers Lane junction with A228

Subsequent design principles

The applicant will produce a masterplan, to be approved by Medway Council, to guide planning applications and further approval of details. The masterplan will be informed by a green infrastructure strategy and an open space plan.

Site-specific information

Policy SA10: Lower Rainham Comment

Objective

1. By 2033, the development of Rainham Parkside Village (RN9) will provide a green backdrop to the adjacent marshes at Riverside Country Park, with improved connections for people and nature.

Criteria

2. Rainham Parkside Village (RN9) will include:
   1. Up to 750 new homes.
   2. A local centre commensurate with a new community of up to 750 new homes, including:
      1. a children's nursery;
      2. 3 ha of land for a two-form entry primary school in accordance with the latest IDP;
      3. a Community Hub;
      4. a Health Hub;
      5. a care home; and
      6. convenience floorspace that meets the day-to-day needs of the local community only.
   3. Up to 15 homes for use as temporary living accommodation.
3. 8 ha of land for an eight-form entry secondary school in accordance with the latest IDP.
4. A Habitats Regulations Assessment and, if required, compensation and/or mitigation will be agreed with Natural England and Medway Council.
   1. The requirements in policies S2 and S3 must be applied, given the sensitive location.
   2. Any enhancement in waterfront accessibility will have no adverse impact upon the integrity of the Special Protection Area and Ramsar designations, either alone or in-combination.
5. An open space strategy, including long-term management plans, could identify opportunities for off-site outdoor sports provision.
   1. A Community Use Agreement with the new primary and secondary schools would help to ensure access to playing pitches and the most efficient use of land.
6. A green infrastructure strategy will inform the overall design and layout.
   1. Internal landscaping will respond to the local landscape character, including multifunctional ecological, drainage and active travel corridors.
   2. The western edge will be defined by a strong defensible landscape buffer to deter development proposals in Lower Twydall.
   3. The specification of a buffer strip to screen the railway, and to provide an east-west leisure route, will be agreed with Medway Council.
   4. The provision of street trees – plus the design, placement and species to be used – will be aligned with a street hierarchy.
   5. The management of green infrastructure will be secured by Section 106 agreement.
7. The strategy and guidance set out in the Medway Landscape Character Assessment (2024) for Lower Rainham will inform the design and layout. Uncharacteristic coniferous planting and fencing will be resisted.
8. The design and layout of streets will follow a hierarchy:
   1. The existing Pump Lane will be the primary vehicular accesses and street connecting Lower Rainham Road to Beechings Way. The existing northern end of Pump Lane will be converted to a one-way route to enhance the setting of the listed building. A short new segment will relieve traffic from the northern end of Pump Lane.
   2. A series of lower order 'Field Streets', which reference the former field lines, will provide vehicular connections across the site.
   3. The widening of Lower Twydall Lane and Lower Bloors Lane will be explored in subsequent detailed design.
   4. Pedestrian connections to/from Twydall via the two existing railway footbridges at Lower Twydall Lane and Lower Bloors Lane will be improved.
9. Have regard to the setting of the Lower Twydall and Lower Rainham conservation areas and nearby listed buildings.
10. SME housebuilders will deliver Rainham Parkside Village, overseen by a master SME developer. Development will come forward in bespoke SME-sized parcels with associated SME Partners under an SME Framework.

Subsequent design principles

11. The applicant will produce a masterplan, to be approved by Medway Council, to guide subsequent planning applications and further approval of details. The masterplan will be informed by a Rural Design Code, a green infrastructure strategy and an open space strategy.

Site-specific information

Policy SA11: Rural Settlements Comment

Objective

1. By 2041, development allocations in Medway's rural area will provide for diversification of housing choice in villages, meeting the needs of rural communities.

Criteria

2. The requirements in policies S2 and S3 must be applied, given the sensitive locations.

Site-specific information

Policy SA12: Other Sites Comment

Site-specific information