Residents, businesses, workers, voluntary sector and anyone with an interest in the Medway's future is encouraged to have their say on plans which could help guide how the area develops up to 2040.
During Medway’s Cabinet meeting last night (Tuesday, 5 September), a recommendation to hold a public consultation on the Local Plan was agreed.
This will be your opportunity to have your say on Medway’s future by commenting on the emerging Local Plan.
Our vision is to establish Medway as a significant place for high quality urban regeneration with strong connections to its surrounding coast and countryside; with a thriving economy, where residents enjoy a good quality of life and health, and there is a clear strategy for addressing climate change and strengthening natural assets.
The government has set mandatory house building targets for all councils in the country to meet national housing demand. Medway is currently required to deliver 1,667 new homes each year between now and 2040 – a total of nearly 28,500 homes.
Through the Local Plan, we will be ensuring that it delivers sustainable communities for the future. We will also plan with other agencies to get the right infrastructure, such as roads, schools, health facilities and other provisions, in place to support development.
We want you to have your say
Deputy Leader of Medway Council, Cllr Teresa Murray, said: “We want you to have your say on how best to accommodate the scale of growth anticipated in Medway. We want Medway residents to play a part in helping to shape this blueprint and will be asking for your views during the autumn. The consultation document includes details of all the possible development locations available across Medway.
“There is so much to be proud of in Medway and we must have a new Local Plan in place to improve residents’ quality of life, while creating more job opportunities for everyone. Without a plan, we will not be able to ensure Medway grows sustainably.”
Local authorities are required, by law, to have a Local Plan in place. Without one, it is difficult for councils to challenge planning applications that may not be in the best interests for their area, or residents, and result in unsustainable, unsuitable piecemeal development without supporting facilities or infrastructure.
But Medway’s Local Plan is about much more than just building houses. It also ensures we have a plan which focuses on ensuring appropriate infrastructure is in place and protecting the environment. The plan, when adopted, will identify areas where development could take place and where it should be restricted. It also includes employment and considers better access to green spaces, including parks and play areas.
We are committed to getting a new Local Plan in place for autumn 2025.
We pledge to listen
Cllr Murray added: “During the consultation, everyone with a stake in our future is being invited to have their say. We pledge to listen to your views and ideas. The Local Plan process is about making important decisions today, for tomorrow’s future.”
Your Medway: Your future: Your say
The Local Plan public consultation is due to open between Monday, 18 September and Tuesday, 31 October. Residents can have their say on our website and printed copies of the consultation document will be available at Medway libraries.