Extra profits from development to go to community

An artist's impression of how the flats at Acorn Wharf in Rochester will look

A 132-flat riverside redevelopment has been recommended for approval, but on the condition any unexpected profits are pumped back into the area.

Medway Council's planning committee will have the final say over proposals for Acorn Wharf in Rochester for three blocks of flats and a riverside walk.

The application for the site, also known as Acorn Shipyard in Gas House Road, was submitted in July last year and also includes a café and yacht moorings.

However, the developer has argued it cannot commit to infrastructure contributions or affordable housing allocations as the profit margins are too slim.

They said £2.2m was required for a sea wall and to increase the ground level for flood prevention, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

That, along with the cost of construction predicted to total £31.3 million, would only bring them £800,000 in profit.

But, while planning officers have recommended the project for approval with minimal developer contributions of £43,000, they have also set a condition which could see funds given to the council if a greater profit is made than suggested.

This money would be split between improvements at Strood Sports Centre, Rochester Library, waste collection services and contributions to primary, secondary and nursery schools, among other projects.

The redevelopment's application saw six letters of objection which raised concerns about the lack of affordable housing included, the position of the site on a flood plain, along with suggestions that other sites in Strood should be prioritised.

Letters also argued the area already had too many flats and that the proposed nine-storey block was out of character with its surroundings, possibly impeding views of Rochester Castle and the cathedral.

The fact there is a single access road which would be used by all the residents, as well as families of those attending Rochester Riverside Church of England Primary School, was also raised.

The development will be discussed at a meeting of Medway Council's planning committee on 27 August.