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Kelly Tolhurst

MP for Rochester and Strood
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Fighting Unsustainable Development in Our Green Space

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Lodge Hill

Predatory development and plans to build on our green spaces have caused deep stress and anxiety, particularly out on the Hoo Peninsula which is one of the most beautiful parts of North Kent. While some development is necessary the numbers proposed around Hoo and Lodge Hill are absurd. To ensure any development is sustainable we need to look at how we can best develop the brownfield sites we already have, for instance Kingsnorth has huge capacity rather than turning Hoo into a town, while the Isle of Grain has been crying out for development for years.

I will continue to oppose applications for development based on many of the issues raised by residents. Such issues include the impact on local public services, in particular the availability of school places and access to GP surgeries.

Along with Cllr Phil Filmer and the RSPB, I will be fighting against any development on Lodge Hill and against possible future development of Deangate Ridge Golf Course following the fight to keep it open. I have escalated these matters with the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government. In the Minister’s response he made it clear that while these sites might be part of the Council’s Local Plan considerations, it is important for residents to participate in the Plan’s consultation and make their views known about how they wish to see our community green spaces used in future.

Again, it is important to stress the importance of mine and the Council’s work towards formulating Medway’s Local Plan. Without such, we remain highly vulnerable to predatory applications such as the one previously proposed by Gladmans in Cliffe Woods. Having our Local Plan in place will enable the Council to identify where practical development can happen and what infrastructure is necessary to make it sustainable.

While we have to accept that some development needs to happen and some parts of our local villages might have to expand, this should not be at the cost of disturbing the balance of our rural and urban infrastructures. I am continuing to work with colleagues both locally and in Westminster to help ensure we can continue to enjoy our villages, natural habitats and green spaces for generations to come.

I encourage everyone to engage with the current consultation and make your feelings known on how you want our rural and natural environments to look: https://www.medway.gov.uk/info/200149/planning_policy/519/future_medway_local_plan/3

News

Kelly with Boris Johnson MP

Kelly Tolhurst MP secures commitment from Boris Johnson that “Boris Island” or a Hoo peninsula Airport is OFF the table.

Friday, 14 June, 2019

Rochester and Strood MP, Kelly Tolhurst, has secured a commitment from Boris Johnson that the Thames Estuary Airport or a Hoo Peninsula Airport are OFF the table if he becomes Prime Minister next month.

 

Cliffe Woods

Kelly Tolhurst MP Welcomes Government Dismissal of Gladmans’ Cliffe Woods Appeal

Wednesday, 14 November, 2018

Rochester and Strood MP Kelly Tolhurst has expressed delight at the Secretary of State for Housing’s decision to reject an appeal to build 225 new homes at Cliffe following representation from the MP and the local community.

Deangate

Kelly Tolhurst MP Welcomes Reconsideration of Deangate Ridge Decision

Tuesday, 13 March, 2018

Last night Kelly Tolhurst, MP for Rochester and Strood, warmly welcomed the regeneration, culture and environment overview and scrutiny committee’s decision to refer the closure of Deangate back to cabinet for reconsideration.

Lodge Hill

Kelly Tolhurst MP to Continue Fight Against Unsustainable Lodge Hill and Peninsula development

Tuesday, 6 March, 2018

On the day Medway Council Cabinet met to approve the next stage of the Local Plan process I met with the RSPB to discuss the Council’s latest draft Plan and its severe implications for the Peninsula, including Lodge Hill and Deangate.

Deangate

Rochester and Strood MP Appalled with Medway Council's Deansgate Closure

Monday, 5 February, 2018

Yesterday morning I joined residents in protest at Medway Councils proposed decision to permanently close Deangate Ridge.

Lodge Hill

Kelly Tolhurst MP Delighted with MoD Decision to Drop Lodge Hill Planning Permission

Wednesday, 6 September, 2017

Rochester and Strood MP Kelly Tolhurst has said how pleased she is with the Ministry of Defence’s decision to drop the planning permission at their former Lodge Hill site and congratulated the efforts of the RSPB and Kent Wildlife Trust to protect the local natural environment.

Gladman Development

Kelly Welcomes Council Decision to Reject Gladman’s Cliffe Woods Development

Friday, 21 April, 2017

I was pleased that last night Medway Council’s Planning Committee rejected the proposals by Gladman Developments Ltd to build up to 225 houses just off Town Road in Cliffe Woods.

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Kelly Tolhurst MP for Rochester and Strood

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ConservativesPromoted by Alex Hyne on behalf of Kelly Tolhurst, both at c/o Office, Bellerophon House, Doust Way, Rochester, ME1 1FG.
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