Published: Friday, 19th December 2025
The blueprint for how Medway will grow over the next 15 years has been formally submitted to the government.
It marks a major milestone in shaping the future of Medway through to 2041.
Following approval at a Special Full Council meeting in June, and then public consultation throughout the summer, Medway’s draft Local Plan will now be reviewed and examined by the Planning Inspectorate.
Members and officers ahead of submitting the Local Plan.
Having a Local Plan is a legal requirement for all local authorities. It must set out how central Government’s housing targets will be met – which for Medway is 26,176 new homes by 2041.
However, this important document covers much more than housing, and will act as the framework for how development will be planned and managed in Medway. Having an up-to-date plan in place means that we will have more say over what development takes place across Medway, and are better prepared against speculative planning applications. We have looked at where new schools, health and community facilities, green spaces, transport improvements and new employment space is needed alongside new homes, to provide balanced and sustainable development into the 2040s.
The plan also seeks to address challenges, including climate change, affordability and improving the health and quality of life for Medway residents.
Community sits at the heart of the Local Plan
Cllr Vince Maple, Leader of Medway Council, said: “This moment has been many years in the making, and its importance for Medway today and in the future cannot be overstated. Community sits at the heart of the Local Plan – whether it is about houses, employment space, greenspaces, our heritage, history, culture and more – this will be the guide for how Medway can continue to be a great place for people to live, work, learn and visit – whilst ensuring we see sustainable growth, in the right places, with the right infrastructure.”
The Planning Inspectorate will appoint an Inspector to examine our plan to check that we have met the legal requirements and have an effective strategy that will meet the communities’ needs.
The Inspector will consider all the evidence and representations made at each stage of the Local Plan consultation process, and invite the council and interested parties to respond to key issues and questions arising, and to take part in hearing sessions. The Planning Inspectorate will then prepare a report following the hearings which will include a series of recommendations, such as changes to the plan.
The ambition is for the new Local Plan to be adopted by the end of 2026.
Milestone moment for Medway
Cllr Simon Curry, Medway Council’s Portfolio Holder for Climate Change and Strategic Regeneration, said: “This is a milestone moment for Medway, and I would like to thank everyone who has helped us get to this stage, including my council colleagues, our hardworking officers, and most importantly every single person who took the time to put their views forward to help shape the future of Medway.
“I look forward to hearing the views of the Planning Inspectorate on our draft plan, and we will continue to keep you updated as we continue to move through the process, and towards the formal adoption of a new Local Plan for Medway.”