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Local Development Framework

Planning the future development of Medway

The council is required to produce a policy framework to guide development in Medway, making best use of the land available to provide the homes, jobs and services that people need. This planning policy takes the form of a Local Development Framework (LDF).

The LDF will consist of a portfolio of Local Development Documents (LDDs) instead of a single plan:

  • Development Plan Documents (DPDs), such as the Core Strategy will be subject to public examination by an independent inspector.
  • Supplementary Planning Documents (SPDs) will not need to be subject to a public examination.

LDFs are prepared in accordance with a Local Development Scheme (LDS). On 2 August 2011 the Cabinet of the Council approved a revised LDS, which sets out the current timescales for the production of the LDF and what each document will cover.

Core Strategy

The Core Strategy is the main strategic policy document of the LDF. It sets out the vision for the area over the next 15 years and policies intended to enable this to be realised. 

In January 2012, the council approved a Submission Draft of the Core Strategy. This document was sent to the Planning Inspectorate for independent examination. Laura Graham, BSc, MA, MRTPI, was appointed to conduct the examination to determine if the draft Core Strategy is sound.

Hearing sessions into the matters and issues identified by the inspector for examination were held in June 2012. All documents related to the Examination hearings can be found on the Core Strategy Examination 2012/13 page. The Examination was suspended in late 2012 to allow time for further work to be carried out in relation to the proposed strategic development location of Lodge Hill, Chattenden. Further details are available on the Lodge Hill page. The Examination subsequently re-opened in January 2013.

You can view the full Core Strategy document on this website,  but printed copies are also available for purchase. The document costs £25 plus £3 packaging and postage. If you wish to buy a copy, please contact the council’s Development Policy and Engagement team:

  • by phone: 01634 331629
  • by email: ldf@medway.gov.uk
  • by post: Development Policy and Engagement, Medway Council, Gun Wharf, Dock Road, Chatham, Kent ME4 4TR

An effective LDF:

  • takes account of national, regional and strategic planning policies;
  • identifies sites for and the requirements of major development;
  • provides the framework of policies for assessing all planning applications;
  • enables infrastructure and service providers to bring forward their services when needed by new development;
  • enables the public to be fully involved in developing local policies and proposals.

Other LDF documents

A range of related documents are also available.

More information

For more information contact Development Policy and Engagement by telephone: 01634 331629 or by email: ldf@medway.gov.uk

Write to: Development Policy and Engagement, Medway Council, Gun Wharf, Dock Road, Chatham, Kent ME4 4TR

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