F D Attwood and Partners have a significant landholding of 365ha, which runs the full length of the Capstone Corridor from Darland Banks to the M2 motorway (identified on the attached plan). This single family landowner supports the overall Medway vision for the plan, particularly in the following areas:
• The overall framing of the vision and the recognition that development can bring forward positive benefits if planned well. It is positive that there is recognition the vision must be ambitious (para 2.4) and looks forward and is not overtly influenced by past choices that were taken in a different context based on a specific locational preference which has dominated past spatial decision making, namely Hoo. It is also right that the vision should be the starting point from which spatial options can later derive to identify the “best fit.”
• The need to address existing inequalities and create more inclusive communities is identified in the vision and this is supported by FD Attwood and Partners and can best be addressed by new development for the suburban and urban waterfront options. The focus on urban regeneration is fully supported and rightly prioritised subject to the caveats highlighted in our response to Question 2. The highlighting of the important role of existing High Streets within the vision is also commended and again the urban and suburban spatial options which are geographically the closest, and already serve a large urban area catchment, will be better placed to meet this important objective and help revitalise the town centres as important social meeting places and reinforcing the identity of Medway.
• The need to meet growth through mixed communities and the desire to create jobs alongside housing and reduce existing levels of out commuting is also fully supported in the vision and clearly, options that improve travel choice and infrastructure, will best deliver this aspect of the vision.
• Highlighting that infrastructure and services must be delivered with new development to create balance for the existing and new communities is pivotal and fully supported and this certainly has not been delivered by national planning decision making in the past and is another reason to support the need for the vision to be positive and ambitious rather than to be governed by what didn’t happen in the past.
• Meeting the full spectrum of housing needs, including first time buyers and importantly the increased delivery of affordable housing, is supported.
• Highlighting that the vision should be underpinned by quality development which includes SUDS, open space, recreational and health, alongside community and social infrastructure, is fully supported and it is right to emphasise this can best be achieved through a comprehensive masterplanned approach where healthier, safe and better connected and sustainable places which are more inclusive can be delivered.
• The recognition of the central importance of climate change and addressing air quality in driving decision making is fully supported alongside the emphasis on the importance of connected spaces and particularly green infrastructure, which in the case of the Capstone Corridor, represents a unique opportunity to connect existing urban areas and the planned growth at Lidsing Garden Community (which will include significant areas of green and blue infrastructure ) with existing green assets in this corridor such as the Capstone Country Park.
Message Summary
The Attwood family have a very significant strategic landholding at Capstone which offers an opportunity for the stated objectives of the vision to be met through comprehensive masterplanning and coordinated infrastructure delivery to meet a range of development needs, whilst also delivering significant biodiversity gains.