Policy DM21: New open space and playing pitches

There is a need to seriously consider people’s representations and they need to genuinely influence any decisions by Medway Council and not just pay lip service. All of my previous comments contribute to this section. Clearly any new development must consider its impact on roads, health infrastructure, transport, air quality, water services, refuse collection etc. Sustainability is the key and protection of and creation of new outdoor green spaces. Also new developments need to have a community hall or place where the local community can meet for social events especially outlying areas with poor transport connections

Using the Sport England's Play Pitch Calculator to determine site specific requirements based on Play Pitch Strategy (PPS) without an up to date is unsound. Sport England can not support this policy unless the PPS is updated.

Southern Water strongly supports the consideration of multi-functional green infrastructure within this policy, in particular the wording:
Design of new open space
Proposals for development which include provision of new on-site open space must ensure that new open spaces meet these quality standards below:
(a) Be designed as part of the green infrastructure network, contributing to local landscape character, connecting with local routes and green corridors for people and wildlife as well as providing multi-functional benefits such as addressing surface water management priorities without compromising access.
Southern Water supports the inclusion of permeable paving in the policy. Southern Water supports all policy requirements which seek to ensure that surface water is appropriately managed, as close to source as possible. This aligns with our own work to address problems caused by excess surface water in our sewerage network in order to protect water quality in rivers and sea. For more information please see –
https://www.southernwater.co.uk/our-performance/storm-overflows/storm-overflow-task-force and
Stronger integration of sustainable drainage solutions within policy should ensure SuDS are incorporated into new development and public places, whilst also securing truly sustainable development. Please see our policy statement on Sustainable Development here:
https://www.southernwater.co.uk/media/ny0nb3qu/our-policy-statement-on-sustainable-development-a4.pdfhttps://www.southernwater.co.uk/media/7459/stormoverflows_faq.pdf

Depends how fast you walk !
Making Space for Girls .
That's good!
But even girls can argue with one another. !!!!
Bee Corridors on verges .
again MACA is looking for a building for a Community Centre. WE have this as our primary goal.

Creating new open spaces in a housing estate is not good enough as all houses will take up most of the space

agree

I would like to propose the designation of the Green at Kenilworth Gardens as a Local Green Space (LGS). It is a vital space in the supporting of local flora and fauna, as well as providing a safe space for the community and local children, therefore it could be categorised and protected as an 'amenity greenspace' or 'local area of play (LAP)'.

Any new development must make ample provision for recreational space and playing pitches for all sports.

This is welcome How will developers be held to account and plans reflect these amenities?

Instead of removing green spaces and replacing them with unattractive, impractical houses that no one needs, why not invest in the existing spaces we already have? Enhancing and maintaining our current areas can improve the community’s quality of life without sacrificing valuable green spaces. Upgrading local infrastructure, supporting existing facilities, and revitalising current spaces will create a more sustainable and attractive environment, reflecting the true needs and desires of the residents.