Yesterday Defence Minister Mark Lancaster MP announced that 12 estate sites are to be released for development purposes, include the former camp at Lodge Hill, near Chattenden village. This announcement formalises the disposal of the land to the Housing and Communities Agency, however there is still a planning inquiry to be held on the future of Lodge Hill’s proposed 500 homes in June of this year following the Government’s call-in of the previous development application.
While Kelly has welcomed the release to the Housing and Communities Agency – which has been involved with developments within my constituency at St Mary’s Island and Rochester Riverside – she has also highlighted the need for a sufficient infrastructure strategy be in place for any development that might consist of 500 homes on the Lodge Hill site, given the already congested road systems nearby.
On this latest development Kelly commented,
“I remain determined to make sure any future development of the Lodge Hill site that may occur on the Hoo Peninsula takes into full consideration the need for a real infrastructure strategy, particularly if we are to see an increase of households in the area. The number of homes proposed at Lodge Hill is clearly not sustainable going forwards given the infrastructure we have. Therefore I will continue to liaise with my ministerial colleagues and Medway Council in advance of the inquiry in the summer, to ensure that due attention is in place.”
A copy of the Minister’s letter has been printed below.