Medway Local Plan (Regulation 18, 2023)

The vision statement contains many laudable objectives but much of it is vague and fails to set out how objectives can be met. There is no evidence base to found the Vision. It fails to recognize the importance and significance of protecting the Hoo Peninsula, its unique estuarine landscape and rich biodiversity. Many of its habitat designations, are threatened by sprawling development and industrial agriculture.The approach to development on the Hoo Peninsula should start from the principle that the Peninsula is first and foremost a unique resource, not only to Medway as its bid for Unesco status would indicate; a place where, where the policy principles that may apply in the urban parts of the Medway towns are unlikely to apply. Instead principles and policies that seek to first and foremost protect and enhance its natural characteristics should prevail.