Policy T21: Riverside Infrastructure

Medway's USP is the eponymous river, but there is no ambition to harness its potential in this plan.
1) The river can facilitate fast and zero carbon transport around the medway towns, if we target a material change of riverside infrastructure. Think river taxis, but running on electricity, generated here.
2) The river Medway is tidal. It could be a fantastic clean reliable energy source for the Towns. This could be a flagship infrastructure project for Medway, and would be a top candidate for the local government pension scheme of the UK and other countries to fund.

Support we should use the river more

A river service that links to Strood and Rochester Railway stations is an interesting possibility to address car journeys to these stations.

The river is a highly underused transport network and more needs to be done to bring back the working river for the modern age.

No comment

agree

ArcelorMittal Kent Wire support this policy and note it is in conflict with the proposals for Chatham Docks. In the event Chatham Docks was redeveloped for residential use, we consider it highly likely that the dock gates would be fixed shut and riverside infrastructure would be lost, in direct contravention of this draft policy. We understand that as well as the current occupiers the Royal Navy also have the ability to access Pool 2 via Chatham Docks, which would be prevented if the lock gates were fixed shut.

A full representation is provided to planning.policy@medway.gov.uk

I think this is important, as once lost, these sites will be difficult to replicate. I hope this safeguarding will include the facilities at Chatham Docks given their locks differentiate them from other shipping infrastructure.

I think this is important, as once lost, these sites will be difficult to replicate. I hope this safeguarding will include the facilities at Chatham Docks given their locks differentiate them from other shipping infrastructure.

2.16.1 Policy T21 states "Riverside infrastructure associated with the transport of minerals, waste and other defined materials will be safeguarded in accordance with national planning policy. The existing network of piers, jetties, slipways, steps and stairs will be safeguarded to support the potential for visitor and river taxi services and to accommodate visiting vessels, while any new facilities will be encouraged.".
2.16.2 This is clearly in conflict with the proposals in relation to Chatham Docks. In practice, it is the current occupiers at Chatham Docks which mean the lock gates giving access to the basin are kept in a condition that they can be opened (noting the issues caused periodically when disrepair means they cannot be opened). In a residential redevelopment scenario, there would no longer be tenants in the docks who would require and apply pressure to ensure that the lock gates were kept functional, nor pay a service charge connected to their maintenance. In the event Chatham Docks was redeveloped for residential use, we consider it highly likely the riverside infrastructure would be lost, in direct contravention of this draft policy. We understand that as well as the current occupiers who use the docks for the supply of raw materials and the export of finished materials via the facilities at Chatham Docks, the Royal Navy also have the ability to access Pool 2 via Chatham Docks, which would be prevented if the lock gates were fixed shut.
2.16.3 Paragraph 9.5.4 states "[t]he Riverside Infrastructure policy intends to reinforce Medway’s strategic location in the Thames Estuary. Ports, docks and wharfage will be safeguarded to support existing business sectors and to attract businesses requiring such facilities where feasible." We strongly agree with this statement. However, we consider that the draft Local Plan does not implement this conclusion when considering the redevelopment of Chatham Docks for non-maritime uses, in direct contravention of this draft policy. The draft Local Plan does not appear to have considered that the proposed residential led application would cause the docks to be lost for good. No assessment at all is given regarding the loss of Chatham Docks, not even one considering "where feasible" as stated in the policy. This is an inconsistent and unreasoned position.
2.16.4 There is no engagement with this issue in the sustainability appraisal.
2.16.5 We consider there are a number of issues with the River Medway Frontage Uses and Opportunities, which fails to properly consider Chatham Docks, in particular by appearing to failing to recognise the locational importance of the docks and appearing to assume Peel's redevelopment aspirations will come to pass without considering their uniqueness, omitting to fully consider the current activities at the docks, including significant increases in employment numbers, and the opportunities available for development of the industries currently operating rather than redevelopment.

After much consideration option 3 for planning proposal is favourable. As transportation for Medway areas , would creating and using a River Medway bus service connecting the Medway areas be an option to consider . Infrastructure in Medway must be considered due to possibly future flood risks. Medway needs to have replaced outdated water/drainage sewerage systems before the future of housing is built. Alongside recreational facilities and services needed to accommodate a rising population level in Medway towns/areas. More importantly its the environment green spaces /nature reserves for all to benefit living in Medway Towns.