5.22

The Medway High Streets are filled with dated, small, and tight-fitted shops, including Gillingham, Iceland, Sports Direct, and Wilko's. These poorly designed establishments, with metal cladding on top levels, are crumbling and need to be demolished for high-density development and public spaces.

Most vacant units require demolition to accommodate modern developments.

Apartments above shops make the make sense, however they need to be accessible and modern, in which a major redesign of most Medway's High Streets and relocation of space needs to come in

5.22 We support the aims of this paragraph. We also note that the French Hospital is an existing small development which could be used as a benchmark for newly proposed development in that.
• It has a clearly defined community identity.
• It is within walking distance of all local shops and services and cultural facilities.
• It has a low private vehicle use profile.
• It is a pedestrian led development
• It is within easy walking distance of a mainline railway station for medium and longer distance journeys.
• It is relatively high-density development and yet.
• It fits in well within the existing context of Rochester High Street
• It has adequate green space for the community to enjoy and use.

Agreed

We need better public transport near all new developments and night time busses to be diverted to serve them.

Consider a metro system for Medway - link suburbs with transport hubs eg tram system. reduce need for cars in town centres. Make it easier to walk and cycle with a comprehensive cycle route systems which links together

The Local Plan needs much more careful consideration.

It is currently unclear what the boundaries of the ‘central urban areas’ are. As the Local Plan progresses, we request that these areas are identified and consulted on. However, we support the recognition that the underused and vacant sites have the potential for higher density development and our client fully intends to continue work collaboratively with the Council to establish an appropriate density for the Site.

References to ‘the Site’ mean Site Ref: GN6 (Gillingham No.3 and 4) identified in the Land Availability Assessment 2023 and as fully detailed in our letter of representations submitted to the Council.

This aspect of the Local Plan deserves much more consideration, as it could be a game changer in the regeneration of our town centres.

New item for inclusion under Opportunities - Studies are under way to assess potential district heating opportunities within the central urban and urban waterfronts which could support the increasing energy demands of future growth.

It is questioned the extent that town centre regeneration does in fact have potential to meet the needs of older people and families. There are two fundamental points associated with development on previously developed land, namely 1. the cost of remediation and 2. the typically urban environment justifying higher densities. Both of these facts inevitably lead to brownfield development predominantly containing a high proportion of flats or smaller units that may not be suited or as desirable for certain households, namely families. Such densities are often required to provide the returns necessary to offset the remediation costs and given the market led nature of the development industry and the need to use land efficiently, it is somewhat inevitable that higher densities will be used where the context would promote such character.
In terms of the assumption that the elderly and families may find accessibility to town centres desirable is questioned. There does not appear to be any detailed evidence to support this. Indeed a counter argument could be the assumption that those households quite often prefer the quality of life attributed to a village setting. Of course this in itself is also an assumption but is highlighted to indicate that if such statements are to be made, they need to be based on clear evidence. It is contended that an argument for sustainability should not simply be used to justify focus on growth towards urban areas. Indeed, a balance with growth in more rural settings can be beneficial, subject to ensuring the relevant infrastructure is put in place to support the selected spatial strategy.
It is reiterated that the role of brownfield sites is of course noted and an important focus for development. However, the role and benefits of greenfield sites should not be downplayed to ensure a range of needs are met. A balanced approach not only helps meet a variety of needs that arise within the community but also helps facilitate a continuous delivery.

This makes sense as services and Infrastructure is already in place.

I agree,

Whilst a plan-led approach is necessary in order to set the parameters for development, any emerging allocation should be flexible in terms of capacity and not preclude making the best use of vacant, brownfield sites. Such sites should be able to provide for a variety of unit types including flatted development (for those starting on the housing ladder and downsizers) rising up to larger scale family accommodation in order to address identified housing need.

Fully support further consideration of the development of Urban areas

The current bus service in inadequate and needs addressing. Frankly, I feel that for the money Arriva are receiving in subsidies form the Council, they should be providing a much better service.

Excellent

Note that there are no good public transport links in Medway, most are poor and unreliable.

The central areas are fragmented and disconnected, with too much focus on places such as the historic dockyard for example which are not community centres.

Our plan should connect our centers together more organically in ways that discourage cars but encourage folks to walk and cycle. Sadly, the legacy of poor planning is very visible in many of our centers, so rebuilding the communities in them will need a more rounded approach with active engagement and participation.

Chatham Docks area / Chatham maritime does not have railway links and the buses are poor. There is also congestion and poor air quality