I've lived in Medway my whole life, and I plan to be here for many more years. This place is home, and I want to make sure it stays a great place to live. Since I was elected in 2015, I've been focused on our Local Plan because I believe it's crucial for Medway's future. With the area growing rapidly, we've got to get this right from the start.
Our housing targets have hit Rochester and Strood particularly hard. We've already seen thousands of new homes, with more on the way, and it's putting a strain on our community. Our roads, public transport, and utilities are already stretched thin. Adding more homes will make traffic worse, overload public transport, and strain essential services like water, sewage, and healthcare.
The Hoo Peninsula is a special place with diverse wildlife and rural charm that could be lost with overdevelopment. This area, surrounded by Ramsar sites and Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs), is not suitable for large-scale development. Green spaces on the Hoo Peninsula are integral to the well-being of the community. They provide recreation opportunities, enhance mental health, and support biodiversity.
Medway's target is 1,667 new homes each year, totalling 28,339 homes by 2040. That’s a huge number for an area already struggling with infrastructure issues. The Council has plans for 7,583 homes, plus another 3,000 from windfall sites, but we still need to find locations for an additional 19,173 homes. We need a smarter approach to housing, focusing on areas with the right infrastructure. Rochester and Strood have done their part, but we must ensure sustainable growth that respects our local heritage and supports our community.
The Council's push for large-scale development on the Hoo Peninsula, despite past failures, is particularly concerning. There's no solid infrastructure plan to support it, and the Council’s approach of imposing development without working with the local community is frustrating. However, thanks to campaigning alongside my fellow MPs, the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) now makes it clear that housing targets are advisory, not mandatory. This means local authorities can tailor plans to fit our specific needs instead of following a one-size-fits-all approach. The new NPPF also emphasises maintaining the character of local areas and gives councils more control over speculative housing projects.
This is a chance for Medway Council to create a Local Plan that truly meets our community's needs. Any plan must be locally led, balancing development with protecting our environment. I need reassurances from the Council that these needs will be met for any plan to get my support.
Medway is a great place to live and work, and we all want to see it grow in prosperity while preserving the historic communities and characteristics we love. It is about maintaining the quality of life, health, and well-being of current and future generations. It's vital our Plan keeps a vision we can all be proud of in twenty years' time.
