Medway Local Plan (Regulation 18, 2024)

[TO BE READ ALONGSIDE FULL REPRESENTATIONS SUBMITTED TO THE COUNCIL ON 06/09/24]
3.1 The overarching vision within the LP2041 seeks to increase the quality of life for residents of Medway by meeting its growth needs, in full – including housing, employment and community facilities, alongside the necessary infrastructure to support this. The vision aims to create a healthy place to live and work, where communities are connected and located near to services and facilities to meet their day-to-day needs, whilst preserving the character of settlements and the countryside surrounding these.
3.2 Catesby Estates supports the Vision identified by the Council and we consider this is best achieved through the adoption of an up-to-date Local Plan.
3.3 The LP2041 is supported by a range of strategic objectives and a spatial development strategy, which together seek to achieve the Council’s vision for Medway. These include measures such as providing the variety of homes needed to meet demand; delivering new places, including open spaces to reduce inequalities in health; strengthening sustainable transport opportunities; preserving important nature and landscape assets; and respecting distinct identifies and characteristics of Medway’s settlements as they grow.
3.4 Whilst the spatial strategy identifies a priority for regeneration and best use of previously developed land, it concludes at paragraph 3.1.5 of the LP2041 that “…urban regeneration cannot deliver the full quantum and mix of development needed to support the needs of Medway’s communities and businesses”. Accordingly, it accepts that development will be required in a range of locations across Medway in order to meet growth needs in full. This includes, as referenced in the strategy, expansion of suburban neighbourhoods and villages, where the principles of sustainable development can be met.
3.5 It is noted that the Plan period has been extended to 2041 – an additional year from the previous Regulation 18 consultation. This reflects Paragraph 22 of the National Planning Policy Framework 2023 (the “Framework”) and the requirement for strategic policies to provide a minimum period of 15-years post adoption. Notwithstanding, we suggest that the Council should continue with this approach and further extend the Plan period if necessary; for example, it is noted the LP2041 is now not likely to be submitted for Examination until 2025, which may have implications.

[TO BE READ ALONGSIDE FULL REPRESENTATIONS SUBMITTED TO THE COUNCIL ON 06/09/24]
3.6 As stated above the LP2041 sets out three broad options for growth:
i. SGO1 – Urban Focus
ii. SGO2 – Dispersed Growth
iii. SGO3 – Blended Strategy
3.7 The consultation reflects that a ‘urban focus’ approach alone is unlikely to meet growth needs in full with only a limited supply of previously developed land available to accommodate this. At paragraph 3.1.6 of the LP2041 the Council confirms that rural and suburban areas offer potential for development and there has been a strong promotion of the sites in these areas. The Council also confirms that it needs to consider “…large and strategic scale development allocations in the Local Plan to address the communities needs for homes jobs and services”.
3.8 There are however sensitivities across the Medway, including important habitats and landscapes, and the Green Belt, which need consideration. Nevertheless, the Council acknowledges that in order to meet the full scale of needs over the Plan period, complex issues will need to be considered and addressed as part of the development secured, including any mitigation necessary (paragraph 3.1.7 of the LP2041).
3.9 The Council identify the blended approach (SGO3) as its preferred strategy for meeting growth needs. Marrons considers this is the right approach, supported by a strong mix of urban, suburban and rural development to deliver the diverse needs of the community. The Council has already commented on the needs of communities being met through larger scale developments and Catesby Estates reiterates comments made in previous representations that such development can help fund key infrastructure improvements, that benefit existing communities and help Medway implement its economic strategy.
3.10 Notwithstanding, the delivery of infrastructure improvements must be sustainable in order to keep pace with growth and Catesby Estates suggests this is best achieved by a balanced approach across Medway, in line with the Council’s preferred spatial option.