Hoo Development Framework

I was pleased to see that provision is made for added healthcare, shopping and school facilities, as at least the first two are already in short supply. Hopefully it will be stipulated that these are constructed early in the development to avoid what many developments see: the developers lose interest or funds to complete the work after the housing is built. The provision of an additional road in parallel with Four Elms Hill is vital. It is already often quite difficult to leave Lower Upnor safely when the traffic down the hill is substantially continuous, while the exit onto Berwick Way is similarly dangerous. I note that a new road is pencilled in, but its tortuous nature would probably mean that peninsular traffic would avoid using it unless and until Four Elms Hill was congested; this is therefore insufficient. I was encouraged to learn that a slip road is to be built for traffic leaving the A289 for the peninsula, but disappointed to hear that it is proposed to install traffic signals on Four Elms Roundabout. For much of the day, the present rights of way are easily able to cope with the traffic volume, and will be even better able to do so if the slip road is provided. Perhaps the installation of signals could be delayed until after the other road works were completed to determine whether there is then a need for signals. If signals are provided on Four Elms roundabout, please make them part time only. As stated, for much of the day there will be no need. As someone who regularly travels across Medway outside rush hours, I can testify that the most annoying aspect is having to wait at a red signal when there is clearly no need for signals at all, and a simple give-way on the side roads would suit users of both roads better. In Germany it has been usual for decades to switch lights to flashing amber outside peak times. While this will not work in all situations in UK, it most certainly would on roundabouts, and on junctions where there is a clear distinction between the main and side road. Finally, I was dismayed to note that it is planned to build houses directly to the north of the ridgeway footpath that runs alongside what is to be “Cockham Community Parkland”. This footpath presently affords wide views across the valley to the north, which will be lost forever if the proposed housing is built. This would clearly be a significant loss of an amenity. Regards