Medway Local Plan (Regulation 18, 2024)

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Form ID: 3585

Respondent: Mrs Sue Harwood

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?

The devastating effects that we're experiencing in Medway, such as flooding, justify all new builds requiring solar panels and specialist boilers to minimise harmful emissions.

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

Yes, absolutely, as we are rapidly losing all natural environments to building.

What evidence can you provide to support your view?

Look at a map. If Capstone Valley is built on, there will be very little green space left on this side of Medway.

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.

Yes, all means necessary must be used to protect these areas.

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

Yes, in particular, Capstone Valley but also the natural landscape which has developed at the Albemarle end of North Dane Way.

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

Are they valued by locals? Is there evidence of additional wild life, plants, insects, bats, birds, etc which would lose their habitat if the area was destroyed/ built on? Capstone Valley. The natural space which has grown where the North Dane Way ends which is a haven for local wildlife, walkers, etc.

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?

It needs to be stronger so it includes protecting Capstone Valley.

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

N/a

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

N/a

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