Reference is made to potential impacts of new development on the environment, especially the designated habitats and landscapes which form a large part of Medway’s area.
These include the Kent Downs AONB, as well as the Medway Estuary and Marshes Ramsar, Special Protection Area (SPA) and Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI); Thames Estuary and Marshes SPA and Ramsar; Chattenden Woods and Lodge Hill SSS; and Tower Hill to Cockham Wood SSSI.
The ability to deliver significant levels of residential development sustainably alongside these important designations will need to be evidenced. Richborough is of the view that the second stage of the Land Availability Assessment (LAA) will need to assess how the residential development of each site can viably protect against the erosion of these features. Richborough is also of the view that Medway Council should look to develop a site selection methodology which prioritises sites which minimise impact on these key ecological designations.