Medway’s Local Plan

I want to express my formal gratitude to the dedicated staff at Medway Council who have worked tirelessly to engage the wider community in Chatham and Aylesford throughout this process. Their efforts, through both digital activities and in-person events, have been invaluable in ensuring broad participation and transparency.

The importance of this Local Plan cannot be overstated, as it will shape the future of our communities by balancing new housing needs with sustainability, placemaking, and investment opportunities. Without an up-to-date Local Plan, Medway remains vulnerable to speculative and predatory developments, as recently evidenced by the outline permission granted for 450 homes at Gibraltar Farm in Hempstead and Lordswood. The absence of a robust Local Plan was also highlighted by Shadow Housing Spokesperson, Cllr Andrew Lawrence, who noted that the lack of a Local Plan has undoubtedly undermined our position to oppose predatory developments including on Capstone Valley.

The failure to secure an approved Local Plan over the past 15 years, during successive Conservative-led administrations under Rodney Chambers OBE and Alan Jarrett, has been a costly setback for Medway. This failure, compounded by the actions of the former Rt Hon Kelly Tolhurst MP in undermining the prior Plan, led to the loss of £170 million in Housing Infrastructure Fund (HIF) funding—an outcome many regret.

I fully endorse Medway Council’s vision for 2041, which seeks to enhance the area’s economic and cultural position within the region while preserving its rich heritage and natural environment. The draft Local Plan’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions, promoting sustainable development, and protecting both natural and cultural heritage is commendable. Medway’s ambition to lead in green growth, supported by high standards of sustainable building, retrofitting, and adaptation, is a forward-thinking approach that will benefit our communities for generations to come.

The road ahead will undoubtedly be challenging. While the draft Local Plan addresses a wide range of issues, housing remains a particularly critical area of focus. House prices in Medway have surged by over 23% in the past five years, exacerbating an already severe affordability crisis. The private rented sector is under immense pressure, and the growing reliance on temporary accommodation underscores the urgent need for sustainable growth. To meet demand, Medway must build 1,658 homes annually, supported by vital infrastructure improvements to ensure the development of strong, resilient neighbourhoods.

Regarding the three spatial growth options presented in the consultation, I formally support Option 3: the Blended Strategy. This approach, which prioritises the use of brownfield sites before developing suburban and rural areas, strikes the right balance between meeting housing needs and preserving the environment. Approximately 50% of new development is expected to take place on brownfield sites by intensifying existing urban centres and waterfront locations. This strategy allows us to deliver the necessary housing and infrastructure while maintaining the character and heritage of our area.

However, I would like to add three caveats to my support for Option 3:

Firstly, with regard to the spatial planning of sites in regards to the Capstone Valley corridor. The consultation document acknowledges that Capstone Valley, in particular, shares similar characteristics to the landscape of the Kent Downs and contributes to its setting. It is a ‘gateway’ to the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and provides a key function as a transition zone between the AONB and built-up areas of Medway. The area is identified as a strategic component of green infrastructure in Medway, with the potential for strengthening cross border green networks. The broader Capstone Valley is already subject to a confirmed 2,000 home proposal on Lidsing; a further 450 home development on Gibraltar Farm; as well as granted appeal permission for the 800-home East Hill Development. 

I believe that the context regarding Capstone Valley has now changed and it’s currently more than fulfilling its fair allocation of housing with those permissions by both Maidstone and Medway Councils with shared Housing allocation a possibility with Lidsing. I am therefore requesting that in the spirit of fairness that no further sites on the Capstone Valley are considered adjacent to the North Dane Way Road.

Secondly, the neighbouring boroughs of Gravesham, and Tonbridge and Malling, have both undertaken Green Belt Reviews as part of their Local Plan processes. Green Belt adjacent to the Medway boundary forms part of their respective assessments. It is noted that there is a narrow gap between the urban areas of Snodland and Halling where there is the potential of greyfield development. I have grave concerns about any such urbanisation and the loss of identity of such an expansive proposal. I am therefore requesting protections for this specific location to stop any rural sprawl that would adjoin these two distinct areas; that exist across Local Authority boundaries and have entirely separate Local Governance models.

In the consultation document it states that “The Council attaches great importance to the function provided by the green belt along its western boundary with neighbouring boroughs.” and I would request this be the consistent and maintained position and that there is no agreement with Conservative-led Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council for any shared housing at this location.

Lastly, development can be a good thing and it’s important for community confidence that developers communicate these important messages. During the construction phase, when hoarding or heras fencing is erected, developers should include displays which communicate the contributions they’re making through the planning process to local infrastructure, e.g. schools, green spaces, etc.  

In conclusion, the Blended Strategy offers a responsible and sustainable path forward for Medway. It reflects the shared responsibility of all areas within Medway to contribute to the solutions needed for growth while ensuring that development is guided by robust design principles, heritage and environmental considerations. I support the draft Local Plan 2041 and encourage Medway Council to adopt Option 3, with my caveats, as the preferred strategy for our future.