1. It is considered that the terminology used in this vision is potentially misleading. The use of the term ‘regional city’ has extremely loose connotations with no established academic definition. In essence, it could be read or interpreted differently by different readers and so fails to provide a clear intent or direction for Medway. It seems likely that Medway are seeking to become established as a ‘city region’, although such terms are typically more suited to academic circles. To ensure this Local Plan has a clear vision for all residents to understand, it is suggested that ambiguous terms should be avoided.

2. 'By 2040, Medway is responding and adapting to climate change, providing for more sustainable and resilient development'.
The above timescale is not considered suitable for a ‘vision’ as stating ‘by 2040'’ provides little if any ambition. Climate change is an immediate concern and so the Vision should be phrased accordingly. For instance, ‘Medway is responding and adapting to climate change to ensure more sustainable and resilient development during the plan period and beyond’. Using ‘by 2040’ effectively means the Council has almost 20 years to begin to ‘respond and adapt’ and so a simple phrasing change addresses this point.

3. 'All sectors and ages of the community can find decent places to live'
Given this is part of the ‘Vision’ for Medway, it is considered that the phrasing should be more aspirational. The supporting text of this consultation acknowledges the need for the Plan to ‘plan positively’, which is also set out in the NPPF. For instance, para 15 of the NPPF states ‘Succinct and up-to-date plans should provide a positive vision for the future of each area’. It is suggested that the Medway Vision should not utilise terms such as ‘decent’ but should seek to provide greater aspirations for the area such as offering residents ‘a choice of high quality homes that meet a wide range of needs’. The use of the word ‘find’ implies a degree of difficulty or need to search. A Vision should not expect or allow for such a challenge. Choice is fundamental and the supply and quality of homes should seek to achieve this goal.