Medway Local Plan (Regulation 18, 2023)

The Medway New Local Plan should factor in the well-being of existing and future residents, and preserves the heritage and beauty of our environment. Many communities and residents feel that the proposal to build 28,500 homes in Medway without adequate infrastructure to support such volume needs to back to drawing board. Notwithstanding, I welcome the steer for a third of these development to take place in urban areas, However, the proposal to put 3,600 flats at Chatham Docks would lead to overpopulation and overcrowding in the area, causing strain on local services in St Mary’s Island and Chatham Maritime.

This includes a significant increase in housing numbers, which some feel is not adequately planned for, given the already existing high demand on local infrastructure and services. These concerns represent the main factors in the public's opposition to Peel’s plan as currently presented. The plan needs to consider a balanced approach to population growth and infrastructure development.

I wish to raise strong objections to the current version of the Medway Local Plan which may be suggesting a significant increase in housing development at Chatham Docks. We believe that this is a poorly considered plan, contributing to overcrowded development and having substantial negative implications for the community, particularly those on St Mary’s Island and in the Chatham Maritime area.

Primarily, the significant addition of new housing threatens to drastically change the unique character of the Chatham Docks and surrounding areas. The proposed figures have potential to cause severe overcrowding, detrimentally impacting the aesthetic charm, heritage and spacious ambiance of our beloved locality. This dense development risks the quality of life for current residents, diminishing our enjoyment of our surroundings, and hindering prospective visitors and tourists.

Additionally, we believe that the extensive housing plan will place intolerable pressure on existing local services. It is paramount to ensure the ability of these services, including schools, healthcare, emergency, transportation, and utilities, to function effectively and sustainably in meeting the needs of the current population. Further development should not compromise their quality, capacity or availability.

We suggest an extensive and careful reconsideration of the current proposal for the New Local Plan. The impact of any proposed housing numbers should not overlook their consequent strain on infrastructure and the community at large. Decisions about the future of our community must involve thorough, consultative planning which factors in the well-being of existing residents and preserves the heritage and beauty of our environment.

In light of the aforementioned concerns, we ask for the re-evaluation of the current version of the Medway Local Plan. Let us focus on the sustainability, conservation and the enduring success of our area for generations to come, rather than hastily introducing an abundance of new homes without the infrastructure to support them. Let's make sure that our cherished Chatham Maritime remains a thriving, comfortable and welcoming community, rather than an overcrowded dockland.

Regarding the green Belt release, I urge consideration to be given to the proposal to build 2,649 homes on our Green belts. Green Belts often serve as habitats for diverse flora and fauna. Construction can cause irreversible harm to these ecosystems, pushing many species towards endangerment. Furthermore, many green belts contain fertile farmland that plays a critical role in maintaining local agriculture and food supplies. Green belts can absorb large amounts of water and prevent the local area from flooding, thus offering a natural defence mechanism against natural disasters.

The long-term vision for the River Medway should include increasing its potential as a sustainable means of transport. By introducing cleaner and greener options, we can mitigate traffic congestion, reducing air pollution while adding a picturesque commuting option. The Local plan should aim to enhance recreational facilities and attractions alongside the River Medway. This should include the improvement of public parks, river tours, sporting facilities, trails and more. With such enhancements, we hope to bolster local tourism and enhance the recreational enjoyment of the river for our community.