Medway Local Plan (Regulation 18, 2024)

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Form ID: 2597

Respondent: Mr Jason Tillman

The Council could consider setting local standards for development that go beyond national policy/regulations in addressing climate change. What evidence would justify this approach, and what standards would be appropriate?

Given the lack of available local water supplies, the council should go beyond the national standards for water efficiency and offsetting. Similarly, the increasing encroachment into migration corridors increases the need for alternative lighting and tree cover. The need for this is due to the measurable decrease in biodiversity and wild areas. We would suggest increased use of natural water purification (e.g swaps and marshes), which can also reduce flooding impact, and longer wavelength lights for streets, coupled with increased tree coverage with a wider range of tree species used.

Do you consider that the Council should seek to go beyond the statutory minimum of a 10% increase in BNG?

Yes.

What evidence can you provide to support your view?

We have lost 19% of natural species. CDP-2024-0101 from the UK House of Commons Library indicates a reduction of almost 50% of natural England. Also, State of Nature Report (2019) indicates 13% decline in wildlife abundance.

Do you agree that the tariff based strategic approach applied to development within 6 km of the designated areas, supporting the delivery of the Bird Wise SAMMS programme represents an effective means of addressing the potential impact of recreational disturbance on the designated SPA and Ramsar habitats of the Thames, Medway and Swale Estuaries and Marshes.

No. It requires a holistic approach from multiple agences.

Do you consider that Medway Council should identify landscapes of local value as an additional designation in the new Local Plan?

Yes. There are local smaller areas that need preservation.

What should be the criteria for designation? Are there areas that you would identify as justifying a local valued landscape designation – where and why?

These are green corridors that are important for wildlife and locals. Areas along New Road Chatham for example.

Do you agree that the Council should promote Natural England’s Green Infrastructure Framework standards in the Medway Local Plan policy?

Yes

Has the draft Medway Green and Blue Infrastructure Framework identified the correct key issues and assets, and provide effective guidance for strengthening Medway’s green infrastructure?

Yes

Do you consider the Green Belt boundary should be revised in line with the recommendations in the 2018 Green Belt Assessment?

Yes boundary should be increased and not decreased.

Do you consider that exceptional circumstances exist to justify review of the Green Belt boundary?

No. There should be no situation where the green belt is developed on.

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