Medway local plan to be put to public scrutiny

The plan includes controversial projects such as regenerating 26 acres of Chatham Docks

The public are to be given their say on updated plans for Medway's future.

The draft local plan contains details of proposed sites for housing developments as well as infrastructure projects, including improving public transport.

The document will be available to view from Monday for six weeks, both online and in a series of public events.

Local plans typically last 15 years, but the last time the council approved one was 2003, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS).

The document contains proposals on how Medway Council intends to meet a government target of building 24,450 homes in the area by 2041, including 2,200 at Chatham Docks.

The Chatham Waters residential-led development plan has been opposed by the Save Chatham Docks group, according to the LDRS.

Medway Conservatives also criticised building at Chatham Docks, among other areas, accusing the Labour council of a U-turn.

Councillor Phil Filmer said: "Medway Labour made promises to residents and workers whilst in opposition, Chatham Docks and Capstone Valley as two examples, and yet in power have broken these promises in the blink of an eye."

Labour councillor Simon Curry said: "New developments are required to meet the housing target set by government.

"We have carefully considered all feedback and the options available to determine where's best for the growth to go."

Following six weeks of public scrutiny, the plan will go to central government for approval.

If given the green light, the proposals will be put into action by December 2026, the council said.

The first public event will be held at Rochester's Corn Exchange from 16:00 to 19:00 BST on Monday with Medway Council's planning team attending to answer questions.