Campaigners protest development at apple orchards

Recent protests have been supported by Rainham's local MP

Campaigners have protested against a housing development on 126 acres of apple orchards.

The proposed site, in Pump Lane, Rainham, has been allocated for development in Medway Council's draft plan, despite a social media campaign against the plans attracting over 3,000 supporters.

Those protesting have received support from the local MP, Naushabah Khan.

Medway Council said it had a responsibility to meet housing targets set by the government, adding that a larger, "unsuitable" application had been refused.

Campaigners said the recent protest marked a significant turning point in the campaign.

Four years ago, the community, alongside Medway Council, successfully opposed a similar development proposal, which resulted in a rejection by the Secretary of State in 2021.

Ms Khan said: "I am unconvinced that the proposals will deliver the necessary road infrastructure improvements required to support the proposed 750 homes.

"This will have a significant impact on the local highway network."

'Unsuitable application'

Simon Curry, portfolio holder for climate change and strategic regeneration at Medway Council, said: "This site is one of many included within Medway's draft local plan.

"Without such a plan Medway is more vulnerable to approaches by developers looking to maximise profit, with less concern for the area where they are building.

"The site here is a good example of this as it has previously been subject to a larger unsuitable application, which was refused. The new proposals are for fewer houses, with primary and secondary schools, community facilities and health hub.

"We have a responsibility to meet the housing targets set to us by government, because over a 1,000 children in Medway are living in temporary accommodation due to the housing crisis facing the country.

"The issues we're facing are further highlighted by the huge numbers of people on council waiting lists for homes, and the increasing number of properties being converted to Houses of Multiple Occupation."