Overview of the Proposed Development
A government inspector will soon determine the fate of a proposed development of 800 homes near Wainscott, Kent, after developers, Richborough Estates Ltd, lodged an appeal against a delay in the decision-making process by Medway Council.
Background
Richborough Estates submitted plans for the site located north of the A289 Wainscott Bypass in January. However, Medway Council did not reach a decision within the required statutory timeframe, prompting the developers to appeal to the Planning Inspectorate. This appeal is based on grounds of non-determination, meaning the case will now be decided by the Secretary of State.
Details of the Proposal
The development, which spans 50 hectares off Lower Rochester Road, includes:
- 800 homes in total, with 240 designated as affordable
- A primary school
- A community centre
- A retirement home
Local Concerns
The proposal has faced significant opposition, attracting 176 objections from local groups, including Medway Ramblers, parish councils, and the Hoo Consortium. Key concerns raised include:
- Increased traffic congestion
- Air pollution issues
- Loss of agricultural land
- Strain on local healthcare services, including GPs and NHS dentists
Council’s Position
Despite the objections, Medway Council has indicated that the development could help meet local housing targets and provide social and economic benefits. However, council officers have also pointed out the lack of viable routes for sustainable transport and the adverse impact on agricultural land.
Next Steps
The council's planning committee is scheduled to meet on Wednesday to outline how it would have approached the application, including the reasons for its intended refusal. The final decision will ultimately rest with the government inspector.
This situation highlights the ongoing debate between the need for housing development and the preservation of local environmental and agricultural resources.