Section 2.3 – Spatial development strategy
3.10 The spatial development strategy set out within Section 2.3 of the Plan states that it prioritises regeneration, making best use of previously developed land and directing investment into urban waterfront and centre opportunity areas. Whilst BDW is not unsupportive of this strategy in principle, there are significant issues in terms of the deliverability of this strategy and how this achieves mixed and balanced communities and is in line with Vision. In particular, the strategy notes that Chatham is an important focus for urban regeneration and there are significant concerns over deliverability in this location.
3.11 The Plan states that the spatial strategy provides for a range of development needs through growth in urban, suburban and rural areas. BDW do not agree with this statement and have fundamental concerns as to how the spatial strategy will deliver the required mix of homes throughout the plan period, given that urban brownfield sites tend to primarily deliver smaller, flatted development.
3.12 Outside of the urban regeneration areas, the Plan states that the Council will support the expansion of identified suburban neighbourhoods and villages, where the principles of sustainable development can be met, and where unacceptable impacts on infrastructure and the environment can be avoided. North of Strood has been excluded as an area of expansion, despite this location meeting the principles of sustainable development supported in the spatial development strategy.
3.13 Lastly, the Plan notes that the function and extent of the metropolitan Green Belt in Medway will be retained, and the Council will ensure that substantial weight is given to the potential for any harm when considering development proposals in the Green Belt. BDW disagree with this approach and consider that exceptional circumstances which require land to be released from the Green Belt clearly exist.
3.14 Overall, it is not considered that the Plan and accompanying evidence base can be considered sound. More detailed comments on the soundness of the spatial development strategy are considered later on in these representations.

Please refer to our full submission for further details.