Medway Local Plan (Regulation 19, 2025)

Support

Representation ID: 4592

Received: 08/08/2025

Respondent: Ms Bridget Fox (Woodland Trust)

We support this policy, in particular the measures requiring

• Using multi-functional green and blue infrastructure to enhance biodiversity,
manage flood risk, address overheating and promote local food production.
• Retention of existing trees and vegetation of value; and promoting an increase
in tree canopy cover through the planting and establishment of new trees.

This is in line with NPPF para 136: "Trees make an important contribution to the character and quality of urban environments, and can also help mitigate and adapt to climate change."

Support

Representation ID: 4593

Received: 08/08/2025

Respondent: Ms Bridget Fox (Woodland Trust)

We generally support this policy in particular the wording recognising Ancient Woodland as an irreplaceable habitat and the integration with the emerging Kent and Medway Local Nature Recovery Strategy.

We recommend setting a 20% BNG target where appropriate, eg for strategic and/or greenfield sites. By setting a more ambitious target, the Local Plan increases the chances that an average net gain of at least 10% will be delivered across the Medway area, given the possibility that some sites may not be able to deliver net gain onsite or that BNG projects may fall short in practice.

Support

Representation ID: 4595

Received: 08/08/2025

Respondent: Ms Bridget Fox (Woodland Trust)

We support the policy but would like to see detailed wording on requirements for buffers for ancient woodland, reflecting NE guidance of a 15m minimum and the Woodland Trust's advice that a precautionary 50m buffer should be applied when appropriate.

Support

Representation ID: 4598

Received: 08/08/2025

Respondent: Ms Bridget Fox (Woodland Trust)

We support policy encouraging retention of existing trees and new tree-lined streets in line with NPPF para 136. Trees deliver multiple social and environmental benefits. Tree planting should be prioritised in areas of lowest tree cover and greatest environmental need. Design guidance should promote green connectivity in the location of new planting, and prioritise suitable species selection including UK sourced & grown tree stock for biosecurity, in line with the Kent Tree Establishment Strategy.

Support

Representation ID: 4602

Received: 08/08/2025

Respondent: Ms Bridget Fox (Woodland Trust)

We support this policy especially the section on Design of new open space points a) requiring connection to nature and h) promoting biodiversity.
We recommend including standards for access to wild/natural greenspace and woodland, in line with Natural England's guidance and the Woodland Trust's Woodland Access Standard. This recommends that:
– That no person should live more than 500m from at least one area of accessible woodland of no less than 2ha in size.
– That there should also be at least one area of accessible woodland of no less than 20ha within 4km (8km round trip) of people’s homes.

Support

Representation ID: 4604

Received: 08/08/2025

Respondent: Ms Bridget Fox (Woodland Trust)

The Woodland Trust takes no position on site allocations other than in terms of their impact on woods and trees, in particular ancient woodland and ancient, veteran or notable trees.

We note in 6c) that there is a requirement for appropriate buffer strips close to Ancient Woodland. These buffers can form part of the accessible greenspace for developments but should be free of any hard standing or built elements, and of any non-native planting or invasive species. They should reflect the priorities in the Kent & Medway LNRS, seeking to restore and reconnect habitat.

Object

Representation ID: 4606

Received: 08/08/2025

Respondent: Ms Bridget Fox (Woodland Trust)

Legally compliant? No

Sound? No

Duty to co-operate? Yes

We are concerned about site allocation SR14 Land south of View Road, Cliffe Woods.
This site is adjacent on its eastern edge to Great Chattenden Wood an area of Ancient Woodland (ASNW) of 84ha at grid reference TQ73797304.

Object

Representation ID: 4607

Received: 08/08/2025

Respondent: Ms Bridget Fox (Woodland Trust)

Legally compliant? No

Sound? No

Duty to co-operate? Yes

Site HHH12 includes ancient woodland. Site HHH26 is adjacent to ancient woodland. Both should have detailed policies requiring suitable buffers to be compliant with NPPF para 193c protections of ancient woodland.