Local Plan Regulation: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

Medway Liberal Democrats have submitted a comprehensive response to Medway Council’s Regulation 19 Consultation - a detailed, constructive document addressing policies across the whole of Medway. The housing target remains a crucial element of the plan, and while we have not challenged the overall figure, we have proposed a more balanced redistribution of housing across appropriate sites. Strong infrastructure policies are essential, and throughout our response we have offered positive, practical feedback, reserving objections only for the most serious concerns.

We are pleased to see that many of our long‑standing proposals for Hoo St Werburgh and Chattenden have been incorporated into the Regulation 19 Concept Plan for Hoo. Our criticism lies largely in the detail, particularly the Policy Map. We are proud that the Deangate Community Park — an initiative we championed — is now being realised. Likewise, Cockham Wood Community Park and the Hoo Wetlands, which we have supported through multiple consultations, are welcome inclusions. The green corridor preventing coalescence between Hoo and Chattenden is another success, reflecting the call made by our Parish Councillor Andrew Millsom in our Regulation 18 submission.

However, we have raised firm objections where necessary. The sudden inclusion of two sites on Grade 1 agricultural land — Chapter Farm and Pump Lane — represents a clear departure from Medway Council’s own established policy to avoid development on the highest‑quality farmland. These additions were absent from the Regulation 18 Consultation and are, in our view, unjustifiable. In both cases, we have put forward alternative locations on lower‑grade land that still meet housing requirements.

We remain concerned about the future of Chatham Docks and continue to believe that a mixed‑economy approach across the site offers the strongest long‑term benefits. We have also recommended improvements relating to density, the protection of Gillingham Marina, and the preservation of industrial archaeology at the Southern Gas Network site on the Gillingham Riverfront.

There is much to welcome in the Regulation 19 documentation, and we have expressed full support — or constructive suggestions — for many of the policies presented. After years without a Local Plan, Medway Council has found itself vulnerable to speculative development, and we therefore welcome the progress now being made.

We believe our proposals, evidence‑based concerns, and positive recommendations deserve serious consideration by both Medway Council and the Planning Inspectorate as the plan moves forward to Examination in Public.

ENDS