Medway Local Plan (Regulation 18, 2023)

As residents of Watling ward, we are particularly concerned to see green field land in Capstone Valley on the list of possible sites for new housing (W1, W7, W8, W11 - W14). We use that area extensively to walk and run, on a regular basis and it forms part of what makes Watling ward an attractive place to live. If green field sites are built on, the concept of a place where residents have access to vital green areas within walking distance, and where they can walk in undisturbed nature, disappears. We will end up driving to country parks which adds to traffic congestion and pollution.
Adjacent to these identified sites is the area managed by Kent Wildlife, and I have personally seen birds of prey hunting, rare butterflies and plants and protected reptiles. Already we've recently seen a sparrowhawk and a heron in our garden, 20 metres from the A2, presumably because their habitat nearby is being disrupted.
Some of the land on the list is farmland, growing food for human and animal consumption; loss of such land could necessitate importing food which adds to our carbon footprint, and adding to food insecurity in the future. Once some chunks of land have been lost to farming and nature, it sets a precedent and nearby fields and woods can more easily be absorbed into housing plans.