5.25

In this time of a biodiversity crisis, protection and enhancement of nature and wildlife should be central to any considerations about development.

Agree nee to give lots of consideration to the river including pollution, sea-level rise, use as a way of transport.

Much more thought needs to be given to waterfront developments. Fortunately, the actual housing need isn’t as pressing as we would be compelled to believe.

We recognise that the waterfront is an important area for nature and the potential impacts of development should be considered from the outset of the design process. Our client requests that policies relating to ensuring the future proofing of buildings are flexible in their approach to ensure that appropriate design solutions can be formed in relation to site constraints such as environmental matters, including flood risk.

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.

The evidence so far is that none of the above is happening. Much more thought needs to be given to waterfront developments. Fortunately, the actual housing need isn’t as pressing as we would be compelled to believe.

Would suggest explicitly saying that the Council will need to consider how flood risk areas are managed, in particular with regard to new build developments on the functional flood plain

There has been a long term proposal to create a footpath from Riverside through to Strood etc. This ahs never been developed although bits are in place. The missing links should be developed and older parts improved.

Richborough acknowledges the reference to the requirement for new development to be sensitive to the designated historic features in the urban area of Chatham. It is critical to the protection of the local historic character that new development is of a high quality and sensitively designed to complement the historic features in situ. The holistic development of the urban area will be critical to achieving this and will inevitably impact on the lead in times and delivery rates of new dwellings within this area.
Richborough notes that the urban area is also affected by the Marine Conservation Zone and includes the historically politically sensitive Chatham Waterfront. It is critical that the emerging Local Plan rigorously assesses the suitability of sites in this area and whether they can be developed sustainably and viably, as well as deliver the typology of housing for which there is a need.

As the housing need is not as high as suggested there is every opportunity to realise the suggestions in 5.25

Agreed both re riverside and heritage areas

The PLA in principle support the references to the proposals for continuous riverside paths that can provide attractive and healthy connections, and act as a draw for visitors and residents. As part of this with regard to any development proposals alongside riverside areas, the Local Plan must include reference to the vital need to provide riparian life saving equipment (such as grab chains, access ladders and life buoys) along the riverside, to a standard as recommended by the PLA’s ‘A Safer Riverside’ guidance for development on and alongside the Tidal Thames (http://pla.co.uk/Safety/Water-Safety/Water-Safety ). This would be relevant for all parts of Medway’s’ waterways not just the Tidal Thames. The PLA also considers that there is need for suicide prevention measures in appropriate locations (such as CCTV and signage with information to access support) to be provided as part of new development along the riverside. This would be in line with the Tidal Thames Water Safety Forum (which includes the PLA, RNLI and emergency services.) Drowning Prevention Strategy (2019). It is considered that reference to this essential infrastructure must be included within the policy wording as part of Local Plan.