Policy S16: Hierarchy of Centres

Comment

Representation ID: 1794

Received: 16/07/2024

Respondent: Mr Declan Kennedy

Whilst I agree that Chatham and offers a lot more than the other Medway Towns, Gillingham also deserves a huge amount of credit for having multiple other facilities and tourists attractions, which includes a stadium, a modern sports centre with an athletics track included, Gillingham Pier, the main entrance into the Great Lines, multiple parks, (such as: Gillingham Park, Hilly Fields, and covering most of the Great Lines), and it also has the local university, the University of Medway and CCCU. Albeit, Gillingham should also be top of the hierarchy along with Chatham.

Comment

Representation ID: 1917

Received: 07/08/2024

Respondent: Peter Chatwell

Arriving into Chatham centre via any current transport means is an undesirable experience, not at all in keeping with a town that aspires to be a city centre. The road network is extremely offputting, for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians. I don't see anything in these plans to change the structure of Chatham, other than to add more housing in. As it stands, with these plans, Chatham would struggle to be seen by visitors and residents as a city centre.

Much more ambition is needed. Chatham's naval history and its riverside location are its USPs.

Comment

Representation ID: 2226

Received: 03/09/2024

Respondent: Mr Robin Watkins

The future of town centres is not shops in my view (as people have moved so much towards Amazon-type buying) - affordable housing on top of relevant shops however might be.

Comment

Representation ID: 2457

Received: 04/09/2024

Respondent: Mr Leslie Brown

Local centres and Medways' objection (refusal) to Pizza's close to schools continue to be allowed by Inspectors. They provide local facilities before Deliveroo Just eat services are provided. Up until 1953 sugar rationing books were used.

Body Mass Index BMI was always below 25 (An average healthy) average life span was increased. Until the Government charge higher taxes Planing Policy will always fail. Planning Councillors and NHS staff ets, all professions, have many with BMI above 25 and dont live neat pizza shops. I hope my example provides the evidence base. Mums may not walk to school.

Comment

Representation ID: 2838

Received: 06/09/2024

Respondent: Mrs pat cooper

Chatham has been the top destination for Hierarchy for a few years now so no change there.

Comment

Representation ID: 3027

Received: 06/09/2024

Respondent: Mr robert fynn

Agree

Comment

Representation ID: 3036

Received: 06/09/2024

Respondent: St James, Isle of Grain, Parish Council

Medway Council needs to do its utmost to stop the closure of shops in its town centres.

Comment

Representation ID: 3137

Received: 07/09/2024

Respondent: Mr Anthony Rees

All those blocks of flats around Chatham High Street are an eyesore and make people feel claustrophobic

Comment

Representation ID: 3295

Received: 07/09/2024

Respondent: Mrs Yvonne Forrest

agree

Comment

Representation ID: 3417

Received: 08/09/2024

Respondent: Ms Linda Driver

It would be nice to see more facilities for sport and play in our town centres . Gaming facilities, climbing walls, zip wires , circus skills, comedy should become part of the town centre offering during the day .Perhaps a street food market ? Medway recently refurbished an area in front of the pentagon (very poorly in my opinion ) and an ideal opportunity to bring vibrancy to this area was totally wasted . When we shop many of us come with small children so some play facilities for them should be provided as seen at Westfield Stratford.

Comment

Representation ID: 3777

Received: 08/09/2024

Respondent: Mr Bryan Fowler

Greater emphasis and purpose should be given to developing Chatham's retail offer. Shop occupancy seems to be supplier led rather than a collaborative approach e.g. Why is Sainsbury's proposing a mediocre "top up store". Why are B&M and Wickes seemingly being edged out in favour housing? Why do we have a car centred business in the pedestrain precint of Chatham High High Street

Comment

Representation ID: 3873

Received: 08/09/2024

Respondent: Miss Rachael Selleck

Chatham has deteriorated significantly over the past decade, with its shopping centre becoming increasingly unsafe due to frequent incidents of robbery, assault, and vandalism. Many shops have closed, leaving the area in decline. Instead of focusing solely on new housing developments, urgent investment in Chatham’s infrastructure is needed to address these safety and economic issues. Enhancing local amenities, improving public safety, and revitalising the shopping centre should be priorities. This approach will not only uplift Chatham but also provide a stronger foundation for any future housing projects, ensuring they contribute positively to the community.

Comment

Representation ID: 3958

Received: 08/09/2024

Respondent: Mrs Maureen Wade

Chatham should also have a tourist base if we are to promote local heritage and history. The high street in Chatham need total regeneration as it is unattractive to business at the moment. This also relies on people coming in from outside in the short term at least. The area has high deprivation and so locals do not have the funds to spend in shops on the centres, this is why businesses have left in recent years. Visitors will only come if offering something other centres don't such as small local business not large chains available in any high street.

Comment

Representation ID: 4037

Received: 08/09/2024

Respondent: Mr Robert Wyatt

Reducing people travelling to shops needs to be reduced. The Hoo Peninsula is typical

Comment

Representation ID: 4132

Received: 08/09/2024

Respondent: Miss Sarah Tyler

Any new ventures of this sort need to be affordable to members, the new Cozenton park leisure center is a prime example this is very expensive to attend for residents considering the Cost of living crisis.