Medway’s Cabinet has approved the updated programme and timetable for the preparation of our emerging Local Plan – with a further public consultation to be carried out this summer.
Our Local Plan, which the council is required to have by law, sets out how Medway’s communities will grow up to 2041. Without one, it would be difficult for the council to challenge planning applications which may not be in the best interests for Medway or its residents.
We are committed to ensuring that we deliver sustainable communities, and it is essential that residents are involved in our journey to setting a Local Plan and making decisions which will best support the future of Medway.
Last autumn, the council encouraged everyone with an interest in Medway to have their say on our Local Plan. Since then, work has been carried out to review the public feedback, and we are now in the process of updating the draft Local Plan identifying potential new sites where development could take place and areas that need protection. Medway’s Local Plan – managing Medway’s growth up to 2041 - also includes information about how the environment could be protected and considers better access to green spaces and play areas.
On Tuesday, 13 February, Cabinet was presented with the updated timetable which included a proposal to give residents and businesses the opportunity to have further say on the updated plans following the consultation in autumn 2023 – with the results of this to be discussed at a future Cabinet meeting.
Much more than building houses
Cllr Simon Curry, Medway Council's Portfolio Holder for Climate Change and Strategic Regeneration, said: “We would like Medway’s Local Plan to be about much more than building houses. Yes, we have challenging housing targets set for us by government, but we also recognise the importance of planning the appropriate infrastructure now to allow this growth to be carried out sustainably and not detrimentally to the residents of Medway. Our Local Plan is about business, jobs, transport, needs of the community and the protection of our environment.
“The new timetable includes further public consultation this summer, giving residents and businesses more opportunity to have their say on the plans for Medway’s future.”