Medway Local Plan (Regulation 18, 2023)

Comment

Representation ID: 1187

Received: 30/10/2023

Respondent: Mr Stephen Hesketh

The council need to make bold decisions in relation to green policies and not those that give lip service so that boxes can be ticked. For an example cycle lanes have been provided in some areas, but most don't work and it is obvious that those planning & designing them have never used them.
There is also an issue with waste within council departments themselves. The public are encouraged to recycle, but very little is recycled within council buildings etc.
Communications relating to correct recycling are very poor, take a look at what people put out!

Comment

Representation ID: 1188

Received: 30/10/2023

Respondent: Mr Stephen Hesketh

Local and central government talk about helping people to lead healthy lives, but this is not supported by their actions. Policies at Council Leisure Centres have changed such that costs have increased and opening times reduced. The provision of sport across the area is poor and this is reflected by the health of the community. Obesity is a massive and 'increasing' issue with the result that there are massive costs on local and central heath provision.
Deangate Ridge needs to be developed with provision for walking and trail running.

Comment

Representation ID: 1189

Received: 30/10/2023

Respondent: Mr Stephen Hesketh

Sound decisions need to be made and these need to be seen through. It is obvious that shopping methods have significantly changed. This has left high streets (particularly Chatham & Gillingham) a complete eyesore and not fit for purpose. It will need compulsory purchases and bold decision making to get this right, but it is obvious we do not need the full lengths of these 2 town centres. People joke about visiting them and most don't bother. Areas, such as the stretch opposite Gillingham Library need revamping (several of the buildings here have been derelict for decades)

Comment

Representation ID: 1192

Received: 30/10/2023

Respondent: Mr Stephen Hesketh

If you walk around the Medway it doesn't take long to see the numerous derelict sites (some that have been left for decades) that could and should be developed. As a few examples, look at parts of Gillingham High Street, the corner of Marlborough Road, the area alongside The Brook, land behind the Chatham-Rochester Road - I could go on!
Chatham Docks must be protected for the benefit of the community. Council policy on this appears to change year to year, but the long term future must now be agreed. We do not the infrastructure for the proposed housing anyway.

Comment

Representation ID: 1193

Received: 30/10/2023

Respondent: Mr Stephen Hesketh

I presume the local plan will only be a consultative document. It is far easier to comment on a proposed plan. Not sure what I am supposed to say here!

Comment

Representation ID: 1194

Received: 30/10/2023

Respondent: Mr Stephen Hesketh

Whilst it is appreciated the council are required to make a plan for a growing and changing community, this plan must consider all aspects. The main focus is always on housing, but this can only be carried out with consideration for a supporting infrastructure. The roads in Medway currently do not cater for the community (and are being dug up 90% of the time). There are not enough schools, doctors/doctors surgeries, the hospital can't cope (and is in the wrong place) and there are enough leisure facilities. You can't have one without the other.

Comment

Representation ID: 1199

Received: 30/10/2023

Respondent: Mr Stephen Hesketh

I'm glad that the council will be demonstrating that the growth strategy will be tested against a range of criteria. I find it hard to believe that this was carried out previously.

Comment

Representation ID: 1201

Received: 30/10/2023

Respondent: Mr Stephen Hesketh

I'm glad that the M2 improvement is being considered and I also believe the LTC is an important improvement for local connectivity

Comment

Representation ID: 1202

Received: 30/10/2023

Respondent: Mr Stephen Hesketh

Not convinced that this is a big issue, the benefits of the LTC are significant for business and all other road users

Comment

Representation ID: 1205

Received: 30/10/2023

Respondent: Mr Stephen Hesketh

I do not understand this request, but then I do not understand the recent influx of London residents, especially as Medway Council were unaware of this happening!