Section 8 of the NPPF provides guidance on ‘Promoting Healthy and Safe Communities’. The proposed objective in the Medway Local Plan actively meets this objective and is therefore supported. But, respectfully it is considered that there is an omission in how the objective is drafted.

The intentions of the third bullet point, proposes to strengthen the role of Medway's "urban, neighbourhood and village centres…” This position is supported, but it is considered that ‘urban and rural extensions’ should also be included in this objective, especially, as the inclusion of urban and rural extensions are included within the proposed spatial strategy for delivering growth.

It is considered that the provision of such extensions will help to develop and strengthen transport networks and encourage for safe and sustainable travel as advocated elsewhere through the plan.