Policy T14: Rural Economy

Support

Representation ID: 4370

Received: 18/07/2025

Respondent: Mr Graham Hunt

I broadly support this policy.
In particular I would like to support maintaining the Grade 1/2 corridor on our eastern boarder with Swale Council. Thus allowing there to be a clear separation between Medway and Swale, something we've failed to achieve on the Lower Rainham Rd.

Also mechanised, automated agriculture will be needed to continue to make use of our Grade 1 land in future. That requires I feel investment in the road network. The "lane" topography of Lower Rainham, Meresborough etc. need to be updated to better roads that larger vehicles can use effectively.

Support

Representation ID: 4600

Received: 08/08/2025

Respondent: AC Goatham & Son

Agent: Bloomfields Ltd

5.1. The vision for Medway’s rural economy is to secure sustainable growth and service provision in rural communities. The policy goes on to state that “Proposals for new employment development or growth and expansion of existing farms and businesses in the countryside will be supported subject to certain criteria”. This policy is supported.
5.2. However, it is important that the criteria do not stifle future change within the agricultural sector and the development needs that may arise from this in order to allow for suitable growth or diversification as may be appropriate.

Object

Representation ID: 4609

Received: 08/08/2025

Respondent: CPRE Kent

Agent: Mr Richard Thompson

Legally compliant? Yes

Sound? No

Duty to co-operate? Yes

CPRE Kent would like to see the introduction to chapter 7 (economic development) amended to include specific reference to agriculture in terms of what it offers to the local economy in general, and not just the rural economy. As stated at section 7.8 of the 19,354ha of land across Medway almost half of it (8,845ha) is agricultural.
We would also like to see a standalone policy in relation to loss of best and most and most versatile agricultural land. See for example policy E16 from the Thanet Local Plan (adopted 2020).

Support

Representation ID: 4777

Received: 10/08/2025

Respondent: Kent Downs AONB Unit

support this policy