Arches Chatham Neighbourhood Plan - Regulation 16
Chapter 5: Community Action Plan
ACNF's Community Action Plan sets out wider community aspirations that sit outside the scope of planning policy but are considered important to the future of the Neighbourhood Area. The following projects would endure the plan period of the ACNP and may be delivered in a variety of ways, including developer contributions from section 106 agreements or working alongside community groups who have been instrumental in undertaking small projects across the Neighbourhood Area to date. The projects presented are subject to relevant consents and funding being secured.
These projects are put forward by the local community and represent examples of locally supported projects which fulfil the policy objectives of this plan. ACNF is aware that projects and programmes will evolve, priorities will change, and costs and the flow of funding will fluctuate, meaning that mechanisms will be required for ACNF to update and reprioritise plan aspirations and secure local consensus to the outcomes of this process on at least an annual basis.
Urban greening
Studies have shown that street trees can indirectly improve the mental health of street users and reduce urban heat island effects. Trees also have the ability to lock in carbon dioxide which helps to slow climate change effects and tackles air pollution.
Luton Road Shoppers Car Park improvements
Luton Road Shoppers Car Park is currently an unmanaged council car park that is prone to regular anti- social behaviour and fly-tipping.
Inspired by schemes such as Gillett Square and Barcelona's Superblock, this project seeks to reimagine the car park as a positive contribution to the local community. Improvements could include a temporary/pop-up or permanent public square and greening.
Pedestrian guardrail (PGR) removal
Guardrails contribute to a car- dominated environment that restricts pedestrian movement and is hostile towards pedestrians. Their overall effectiveness is facing increasing scrutiny. Where possible, PGR should be removed and/or replaced with more visually pleasing interventions, such as planters.
Street art
Following the successes of the Luton Arches and Bowen Moto murals, street art is recognised as a tool to foster civic pride and develop local identity in the public realm. There is an opportunity to extend the presence of street art across the area, particularly targeting blank elevations in the estates of Henry Street/ Newnham Street, Shipwrights Avenue and Maida Road.
Pig Alley public realm improvements
Running parallel to Luton Road, Pig Alley is a service road that allows access to the back gardens of properties in Newham Street, Henry Street and Luton Road. This route is prone to prone regular anti-social behaviour, fly-tipping and rat-running. Improvements could include: modal filters, street art, urban greening and a play-as- you-go trail.
Humanising Luton Road
Luton Road is a car-dominated environment hostile to pedestrians, cyclists and those with disabilities. This project seeks improvements that would humanise this road, improvements could include: urban greening in build outs, raised crossing points and continuous pavements, and decluttering of street furniture. See Appendix C AECOM Masterplan for further design guidance.
School Streets
There are currently no streets designated as School Streets in Medway. This project aims to turn parts of Magpie Hall Road and Pheasant Road - where two schools are located - into School Streets.
This means that motorised traffic will have restricted access on these roads during pick-up and drop-off times to ensure a safer environment for those walking, cycling and scooting to school.
ACNF is the neighbourhood forum established under the provisions of the Localism Act, and recognised by Medway Council (LPA) as the designated body to prepare a Neighbourhood Plan for the designated area.
One of ACNF's key roles is to monitor the implementation of the Neighbourhood Plan and providing input into the priorities for S106 agreements or the most up-to-date developer contribution mechanism.
ACNF intends to work actively with the LPA and other bodies in identifying, pursuing and securing all other sources of funding available to secure the implementation and delivery of the Neighbourhood Plans' projects and priorities.
A Community Action Plan has been developed outlining a set of projects that are intended to act as targets for S106 developer contributions. These projects are put forward by the local community and represent examples of locally supported projects which fulfil the policy objectives of this plan.
ACNF is aware that projects and programmes will evolve, priorities will change, and costs and the flow of funding will fluctuate, meaning that mechanisms will be required for ACNF to update and reprioritise plan aspirations and secure local consensus to the outcomes of this process on at least an annual basis.
The Neighbourhood Plan is aimed at helping to achieve the community's vision for Chatham and will be used in a number of ways:
- in pre-application discussions to show prospective developers where the priorities are when deciding on the type and location of development and how it may affect other aspects of the plan;
- in the decision-making process for planning applications to ensure that the objectives of the plan are met;
- when any bids are made for funding to demonstrate need and the priorities for specific projects;
- to indicate where the responsibilities lie for carrying out or administering the projects and which partners may be able to assist, and;
- to indicate to any relevant organisations planning any type of work or activity in the area where their budget decisions can be directed to best effect.
Supporting Map
Above: Map 2 - Number of HMO by neighbourhood in Medway, 2021.