Development

The physical development of Medway is guided by numerous policies, ranging from national Planning Policy Guidance (PPG) down to the Medway Local Plan 2003 and Supplementary Planning Guidance (SPG). Policy at all levels focuses on establishing sustainable communities, especially on previously developed land. The construction of medium to high-density developments within the urban area will help to alleviate the pressure for development in the countryside.

A large number of sites across Medway has been allocated for housing or mixed use schemes in the Medway Local Plan. The majority of these sites comprise previously developed land. These include the larger sites such as Rochester Riverside and Chatham Maritime, as well as smaller sites such as Arden Street in Gillingham. However, Medway is also exploring the possibility of development on land which has not previously been developed. This is partly because the demand for housing in Medway and the rest of the south-east cannot be met solely through developing on previously developed land. Such sites include Bells Lane in Hoo St Werburgh, Grange Farm in Gillingham and Wainscott.

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