Hoo Development Framework
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New search1. The scale of proposed expansion to 2055, of 10,000 houses, is 179% - almost a trebling of the current population of Hoo & High Halstow parishes (2021 census - 13,387; increase 24,000, assuming the average 2020 UK household size of 2.4 (ONS)). A slower rate of expansion - say, of 5,000 houses - would be easier to assimilate. 2. Coalescence with urban Medway seems inevitable, given the proposed increase in population & the proximity of the urban area (less than 1 mile at its closest, Chattenden/Wainscott). The concept of a "rural" small town therefore seems unrealistic - if, in principle, attractive. 3. 24,000 more people = c.11,700 more jobs (UK in-work population 32.75m., June-Aug. 2022 (UK Parliament); UK pop. est. 67.08m., 2021 (ONS)). The new town therefore seems likely to be largely a dormitory for out-commuters. 4. The proposed new railway station will lack direct access (i.e., without changing) to London or the Medway towns.For London, it will therefore be less attractive than driving to Strood or Higham stations, with direct access, and, for the Medway towns, than the bus.
Strongly support the intention to conserve, & enhance, the Peninsula's natural environment - a unique asset, so close to London.
Please see answers to Q1a.
The proposed "high density" station quarter seems unrealistic - at least, for the suggested "target" market, of "young professionals". I was a "young professional", once - &, when I wanted high density, I opted for an urban environment, with greater facilities than the putative Hoo "rural" town could offer.
As indicated, the principle of a thriving Hoo Peninsula "rural" town at Hoo is attractive. Again, though, the problem is the close proximity of the Medway urban area - with a current population of c.250,000 -, and the lack of "rural" jobs (e.g., the current permanent agricultural workforce on the whole Peninsula might well be less than 100, based on personal knowledge). A more realistic approach would be to significantly reduce the size of the proposed new town at Hoo - making it easier to integrate it with the existing Peninsula rural environment - , strive to maintain the Peninsula's distinctive rural character (as well emphasised in the Framework), and accept that the Peninsula will continue to be an out-commuting dormitory for a population that prefers to work in a town, but live in the country.
