Strategic Objectives

As stated above, Redrow support the objective to strengthen and develop transport networks to provide safe and effective choices for sustainable travel, including improved opportunities for walking and cycling and enhanced public transport services, and management of the highways network, with associated improvements in air quality. This is seen as key to unlocking development potential at sites where, historically, highway capacity has been seen as a constraint.

Further, Redrow recognise the need to secure a robust green and blue infrastructure network across land and water that protects and enhances the assets of the natural and historic environments in urban and rural Medway; providing resilience for nature through better connectivity and conditions; informing the design and sustainability of new development; and supporting healthier lifestyles.
These can readily be incorporated into development proposals and it is considered that these can best be planned in co-ordination with a growth strategy to deliver the new homes required at the appropriate location. The Local Plan could set out a clear strategy for achieving these objectives within individual site allocations but also across a wider area, such as suburban expansion at Rainham, through masterplanning and co-ordination of development proposals (a Framework).

New housing growth in selected areas can also achieve the objective to reduce inequalities in health by delivering better outcomes for residents, by promoting opportunities for increasing physical activity and mental wellbeing, through green infrastructure and public realm design for walking, cycling, parks and other recreation facilities.

Well designed and co-ordinated new housing growth at the right suburban locations could reduce social isolation by supporting retention and enhancement of local services close to where people live, and inclusive environments that are accessible by all groups in society. It could also strengthen the role of Medway’s existing urban, neighbourhood and village centres, responding with a positive strategy to changes in retail; supporting independent retail and start-ups, encouraging new business uses into the High Street. It would help to secure a range of accessible services and facilities for local communities close to where they live.

As set out above, Redrow support the objective to boost pride in Medway through quality and resilient development, and this could be achieved with development that is supported by and co-ordinated with the timely provision of good quality effective infrastructure, so that the needs of Medway’s growing and changing communities are well served. As such, it is critical to deliver sustainable development, meeting the needs of Medway’s communities, respecting the natural and historic environment, and directing growth to the most accessible locations, which should include suburban extensions, to best enhance Medway’s existing economic, social and environmental characteristics.