Hundreds of homes planned on sailing club site

Segas Sailing Club has raised concerns about a proposed Gillingham development

Hundreds of homes, a supermarket and a retirement living complex have been outlined in a blueprint for a site currently home to a sailing club.

Blueberry Homes has set out its vision for the former Southern Gas Networks (SGN) Depot, near The Strand in Gillingham.

In a private meeting with Segas Sailing Club and Medway Council, the developers said they will build a new clubhouse, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

But commodore of the club John Molloy has expressed concern and said the consultation documents "do not show the clubhouse and environs as originally outlined to us".

The current plans, published on Blueberry Homes's website, include 500 apartments across seven blocks and a further 140 specialist apartments for older people, with 450 car parking spaces and 600 cycle parking spaces.

A 20,000 sq ft supermarket is also planned as well as an additional 16,000 sq ft of commercial space.

Developers have not yet submitted a planning application to Medway Council.

Mr Molloy said: "It is true to say that we have not seen, nor have we had, as yet, an opportunity to examine in detail, any plans or written proposals."

He said the consultation was an opportunity for the community to "safeguard the future of Segas Sailing Club and Medway Watersports".

He added: "We look to that support to help deliver the clubhouse and yard as outlined in that original meeting."

Blueberry Homes said it hoped to redevelop the brownfield site, opening up and making the most of the waterfront, and would restore the sea wall.

A public information event is set to take place on Friday between 15:00 and 19:00 GMT at the Sunlight Centre in Richmond Road, Gillingham.

A spokesperson for Blueberry Homes said: "Our plans for the Old Gas Works site would deliver much-needed new homes and jobs through the regeneration of a contaminated brownfield site, opening up the waterfront for the public, as well as providing a brand new larger clubhouse and indoor and outdoor storage facilities for Segas Sailing Club.

"We have had significant engagement with the sailing club from the outset and look forward to continuing this dialogue to ensure their inclusion in this vibrant new community we are hoping to create on this dilapidated site."