9.1 Introduction
9.1.1 Community services include healthcare, social services, education,
libraries, fire protection, police and community halls. In terms of community
service provision, it is desirable that the widest possible range of facilities
are locally available and readily accessible to create balanced communities
and reduce the need to travel. It is thus important to ensure the provision
of necessary facilities within new development schemes, and to safeguard
existing facilities, which are providing a valuable local service.
9.1.2 This chapter also deals with the provision of utilities, which
are necessary to support development. Utilities include gas, electricity,
water supply, land drainage, sewerage, wastewater treatment and telecommunications.
It is important to make efficient use of utilities in order to minimise
the need for additional investment. New development must be capable of
being readily served by the necessary utilities.
9.2 Current Position
9.2.1 Healthcare services for the local plan area are currently provided
by a number of authorities. The Medway NHS Trust based in Medway, is the
provider of acute services (such as surgical and medical services) whereas
community mental health and elderly services are provided by Thames Gateway
Healthcare NHS Trust based in Sittingbourne. The West Kent Health Authority,
based at Aylesford near Maidstone, is the purchasing agency for healthcare
services and is responsible for assessing the healthcare needs of local
people. It is also responsible for administering contracts with independent
professional service providers such as general practitioners, dentists,
pharmacists and opticians.
9.2.2 The Medway NHS Trust provides its services from the Medway Maritime
Hospital in Gillingham, and St Bartholomew’s Hospital in Rochester,
but the latter will shortly transfer to the Thames Gateway NHS Trust.
9.2.3 This Trust provides its community mental health and elderly services
in the Medway area from leased parts of Medway Hospital. It also runs
a nursing home, health centres, clinics and a hospice across the Medway
towns and some services are provided within GPs’ surgeries.
9.2.4 Since April 1998, provision of social services has been the responsibility
of Medway Council. The basis of social services provision is contained
in the council’s community care plan and children’s services
plan for 2002-2005. It aims to shape services and infrastructure in communities
that enable people to live as independently as possible. Examples include
enhancing accessibility to local amenities and public facilities, provision
of accommodation through adaptation or new build, encouraging local work
opportunities for all sectors of society and taking action on the needs
of deprived communities. This approach is also supported by the community
development initiatives of the council. Social services are currently
delivered through four local offices providing a range of services for
older people, people with disabilities or mental health problems and children
and their families.
9.2.5 Social Services is committed to continuing a reallocation of resources
from residential to community care. Social services provision will often
overlap with healthcare and housing needs, and consequently there is close
liaison between these services.
9.2.6 Services may be commissioned from both Social Services itself and
from other outside provider organisations. Whilst Social Services is responsible
for registering all residential care homes, those which provide nursing
care must also be registered with the West Kent Health Authority.
9.2.7 There are currently 89 primary, 20 secondary and 3 special state
schools in the Medway area. The Schools Standards and Framework Act came
into effect in September 1999 and Medway schools are now organised as
follows:
| 83 community schools |
(72 primary, 11 secondary) |
| 8 voluntary controlled |
(7 primary, 1secondary) |
| 11 voluntary aided |
(10 primary,1secondary) |
| 7 foundation |
(7secondary) |
9.2.8 Further education facilities are provided at the Mid Kent College
of Further Education at City Way and Horsted and at the Kent Institute
of Art and Design, New Road, Rochester. In Chatham Historic Dockyard the
former clock tower building is now the Bridge Warden’s College,
a postgraduate and professional development education centre run by the
University of Kent.
9.2.9 The University of Greenwich has relocated its Department of Earth
and Environmental Science and School of Engineering to Chatham Maritime.
It has incorporated the Natural Resources Institute, which was a government
research organisation. The campus also includes a variety of student support
facilities, including purpose-built accommodation.
9.2.10 Although not responsible for further education, the council sees
considerable advantage in developing a highly skilled and trained workforce
locally. It is one of the council’s core aims to develop further
education within Medway.
9.2.11 In April 1998, the provision of library and information services
became the responsibility of Medway Council. The basis of this provision
is contained in the Library Plan, which is submitted to the Department
of Culture, Media and Sport for approval and assessment. The main objectives
are to enable as many people as possible to have access through libraries
to recreational, cultural, educational and life-long learning opportunities.
The library service is provided from 17 static service points and one
mobile library. Static service points vary in size from the smallest in
Grain and Hempstead to the largest in the town centres at Chatham, Gillingham
and Strood.
9.2.12 There is currently an under-provision of cemeteries with four
active cemeteries located in Chatham, Gillingham, Rochester and Strood.
There are no crematoria in Medway itself, but the council operates the
Medway crematorium at Bluebell Hill in Tonbridge and Malling Borough,
close to junction 3 of the M2 motorway.
9.2.13 The police divisional headquarters for Medway is situated at Rochester
police station. Sub-divisional police stations are located at Chatham
and Rainham, covering the Chatham and Gillingham areas respectively.
9.2.14 The divisional fire headquarters for Rochester, Gillingham, Swale,
Dartford and Gravesham is situated at Watling Street, Chatham. This is
also the only full-time staffed station on the east side of the River
Medway, the equivalent on the west side being at Gravesend Road in Strood.
There are also unstaffed fire stations at New Cut, Chatham; Green Street;
Gillingham; Rainham; Halling; Cliffe; Hoo and Grain.
9.2.15 British Gas Transco has responsibility for gas transmission. Three
pressure reducing stations at Rochester Riverside, Gillingham Holder Station
and the Grain Refinery convert main grid pressure gas to a medium pressure
network, which extends into the main residential areas. A medium pressure
pipeline also extends out into the Hoo Peninsula running south of High
Halstow and close to Lower Stoke. Gas for domestic and most commercial
purposes is taken from the low pressure network. The gas system has been
extended to many rural communities although not all areas are covered.
9.2.16 At Grain, British Gas has an existing liquefied natural gas (LNG)
storage facility and also has plans to build a LNG importation terminal.
This terminal is designed to supplement domestic supplies to meet an anticipated
surge in demand, including that arising from the new network of gas fired
power stations.
9.2.17 The National Grid Company Plc is responsible for the transmission
of electricity and SEEBOARD Plc has responsibility for the local distribution
of electricity. Powergen plc operates two electricity-generating power
stations at Kingsnorth and Grain, supplying electricity into the national
grid. A combined cycle gas turbine power generation station has been operating
at Grain for 2 years and another is under construction at Kingsnorth.
The council has resolved to grant planning permission for an additional
gas fired power station at Grain, but this requires a licence from the
DTI before construction can proceed.
9.2.18 Water supply for Medway is the responsibility of Southern Water
plc, except for the Halling area, which is supplied by Mid-Kent Water
plc. Both companies anticipate that the majority of locations for development
within the local plan area can be readily supplied from existing water
mains. The Environment Agency has a responsibility for managing water
resources. Extraction of water from chalk aquifers is restricted as part
of its North Kent Water Resource Management Scheme.
9.2.19 Land drainage is the responsibility of the Environment Agency
and the Lower Medway Internal Drainage Board. There are large areas within
Medway which are low lying and may be susceptible to a 1000 year surge
tide.
9.2.20 Sewage and wastewater treatment facilities are provided throughout
Medway by Southern Water plc. It is making progress with the upgrading
of the waste water and sewage sludge treatment works at Motney Hill, Rainham
to comply with the European Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive. Considerable
highway and amenity issues are involved, particularly during the construction
period, and the site adjoins the Medway Marshes which have international
importance for wildlife conservation.
9.3 Policy Context
Central Government Guidance
9.3.1 Central government advice relating to planning for facilities is
set out in planning policy guidance notes (PPGs). PPG 1 “General
Policy and Principles”, PPG 3 “Housing” and PPG 12 “Development
Plans” emphasise the need for the planning system to ensure that
major new developments are provided with infrastructure including community
facilities. The pattern of development proposed in local plans should
take account of infrastructure limitations or alternatively, should provide
those responsible for infrastructure with a measure of certainty, to enable
them to plan for future needs. Local plans should include policies setting
out the local authorities’ requirements for planning obligations
under Section 106 of the Town and Country Planning Act. These requirements
should accord with Circular 1/97 “Planning Obligations” and
the policies should indicate the facilities or utilities to be provided
and whether a contribution towards their provision is required.
9.3.2 PPG 22 “Renewable Energy” reiterates government policy
to stimulate the exploitation and development of renewable energy sources
that have prospects of being both economically attractive and environmentally
acceptable. In the UK, this includes wind power, hydropower, bio-fuels,
waste incineration and active solar power. It is the government’s
view that the renewable sources will provide diversity and security of
energy supply. The environmental benefits associated with renewable energy
derive from reduced air pollutants from the burning of fossil fuels, that
is, less carbon dioxide which contributes to ‘global warming’
and fewer acidic deposits from sulphur dioxide and nitrous oxides. PPG
22 also states that commercial energy generated from the incineration
of waste may alleviate some of the problems associated with the disposal
and treatment of waste.
9.3.3 Telecommunications relates to all forms of communication by electrical
or optical wire and cables and radio signals. Their associated development
includes radio masts or towers, antennae, radio equipment housing, telephone
boxes, cabinets and junction boxes, poles and overhead wires. PPG 8 “Telecommunications”
emphasises that the telecommunications industry and technology is demand
led: it is government policy to encourage the growth of the industry and
a choice of service providers to the benefit of local communities and
the national economy. The PPG also advises Local Planning Authorities
to protect established telecommunications networks from built development
that may cause interference.
Regional Guidance
9.3.4 “Regional Planning Guidance For The South East” (RPG9)
emphasises the vital role of South East England in the development of
the UK economy as a whole. It provides a framework for the future development
of the South East. This guidance embodies a number of objectives that
should be pursued concurrently and requires an appropriate balance to
be struck. Planning policies should be directed towards enhancing economic
performance; sustainable development and environmental improvement; opportunity
and choice.
9.3.5 The “Thames Gateway Planning Framework” (RPG9a) amplifies
the policies of RPG9. One of the main principles is the importance of
achieving the right mix of development on the major opportunity sites,
in order to create sustainable and vibrant communities, where the relationship
between homes and places of work, commerce, relaxation and leisure are
more sustainable.
Kent Structure Plan 1996
9.3.6 Policy S9 of the Kent Structure Plan states:
“in preparing local plans and considering development proposals,
local authorities will have regard to the need for community facilities
and services, including education, health and cultural facilities, local
shopping facilities, transport infrastructure and public utilities. Provision
will be made for the development of further and higher education, including
academic and student accommodation. Planning authorities will not normally
permit development unless the infrastructure which is directly required
to service the development can be made available at the appropriate time.”
9.3.7 This highlights the importance of synchronising development and
related community facilities or infrastructure with public and private
sector capital investment programmes so that development does not overload
infrastructure capacity. It also prevents the waste of scarce resources
on infrastructure not warranted by the development strategy.
Good Practice On Planning Obligations
9.3.8 The Kent Association of Local Authorities (KALA) has produced a
Good Practice Guide on Developer Contributions. This emphasises the importance
of developers building high quality, balanced communities with locally
available facilities. The key to this is developers being encouraged to
make contributions to community facilities, as set out in Circular 1/97.
The Good Practice Guide has been adopted by the council for development
control purposes and sets the context for the type and appropriateness
of contributions from various developments, detailing the range of facilities
relevant to developer contributions.
9.4 Objectives
9.4.1 The following objectives are identified in relation to community
service provision in Medway:
(i) to ensure that a wide range of community services and facilities
are available, convenient and readily accessible to the population of
Medway; and
(ii) to build local communities with local facilities of a high quality
by ensuring the provision of community services where new development
takes place.
9.4.2 The objectives relating to utilities are :
(i) to ensure that the most efficient use of existing utilities is
made and;
(ii) to ensure that suitable and adequate utilities are in place to
meet local demands including the provision of adequate infrastructure
where new development takes place.
9.5 Policies and Reasoned Justification
Existing Community Facilities
9.5.1 There is a need to protect existing community facilities, such
as community halls, unless it can be demonstrated that exceptional circumstances
exist where it would be beneficial to redevelop sites. Proposals that
would result in the loss, without replacement, of community facilities
should clearly demonstrate that those facilities are no longer needed.
Where redevelopment, involving replacement is proposed, the replacement
facilities should be of a similar scale and kind, be easily accessible,
particularly by public transport, and reduce the need to travel. The accessibility
of the proposed replacement will be assessed in terms of pedestrian and
cyclist accessibility and the proximity of the proposal to the main road
network and public transport routes.
POLICY CF1: COMMUNITY FACILITIES
Development which would result in the loss of existing
community facilities will only be permitted where it can be demonstrated
that exceptional circumstances exist such that it would be beneficial
to redevelop sites.
Replacement facilities of a similar scale and
kind will be sought. They should be easily accessible by the local population
by a variety of means of transport, including public transport, cycling
and walking.
New Development and Physical Infrastructure
9.5.2 New development should be readily served by necessary physical
infrastructure. A key tenet is that developments should bear their own
costs and not be a charge on the public purse. Adequate infrastructure
planning is required in order to avoid the need for retrospective works.
Medway Council will seek to secure the provision of necessary infrastructure
by the negotiation of planning obligations, where appropriate, in accordance
with the principles of Circular 1/97. This is covered by policy S6 in
the Strategy Chapter.
New Development and Community Facilities
9.5.3 The co-operation of developers in the financing and provision of
new capital infrastructure works will be sought for services which are
made necessary by new development e.g. education, health or recreation
facilities in accordance with policy S6. Policy H1 specifically identifies
the need for relevant facilities on allocated housing sites, in order
that the costs of provision can be taken into account at an early stage
by landowners and developers. The need for facilities generated by other
windfall sites, will be assessed at the submission of planning applications
subject to the principles of Circular 1/97, the KALA guide and policy
S6.
9.5.4 New community facilities may also be required within existing developed
areas. The type of facility may be anything from a community hall or place
of worship to changing rooms at a playing field. Provision of these facilities
must be of an appropriate scale, have minimal impact on neighbouring amenity
and be accessible by a variety of means of transport.
POLICY CF2: NEW COMMUNITY FACILITIES
New community facilities will be permitted subject to:
(i) the size and scale of development being appropriate
to the site; and
(ii) the development having no detrimental impact on
the countryside, residential amenity, landscape or ecology; and
(iii) accessibility to the local population by a variety
of means of transport, including public transport, cycling and walking.
Healthcare Services
9.5.5 The Medway NHS Trust has now centralised acute hospital services
at the Medway Maritime Hospital site in Gillingham, which has resulted
in the closure of the entire site at All Saints Hospital. These changes
may result in some loss of accessibility to acute healthcare services
for a proportion of residents in Medway. However, the centralisation in
services coincided with the completion of the Medway Towns Northern Relief
Road which offers enhanced accessibility to the Gillingham site, both
by private vehicles and bus services. Facilities for enhanced pedestrian
and cycle access, a resident’s parking scheme and localised traffic
management all form parts of the redevelopment. Some staff residential
units will be displaced from the hospital site and will be replaced in
the locality.
9.5.6 The objective of the Thames Gateway Healthcare NHS Trust is to
provide a strategic network of Community Hospitals throughout its district.
Saint Bartholomew’s is to become a Community Hospital. A site was
identified at Wainscott for a community hospital in the 1992 local plan.
However, the Trust has now stated that this site is no longer required
and it has therefore been deleted. In the longer term the Trust has identified
the need for a community hospital in Gillingham, but due to financial
constraints, no firm proposals are likely to come forward during the period
of this plan.
Local Healthcare Facilities
9.5.7 The West Kent Health Authority bases its service provision on the
principle of accessibility to a choice of healthcare facilities. It suggests
that patients in urban areas should need to travel no more than three
miles, and those in rural areas no more than eight miles. There should
also be an acceptable distribution of facilities that are accessible by
wheelchair. The council has supported these objectives insofar as doctors’
surgeries have been provided within major residential schemes and a number
of new build surgeries and conversions have been granted planning permission.
9.5.8 However, in Gillingham in particular, there remains an identified
need for an upgrading of facilities to meet modern standards. The council
endorses the principle of GP surgeries and associated healthcare facilities
at three locations to meet this requirement. Two sites, at Castlemaine
and at the Sunlight Centre in Gillingham, will also include other community
and leisure facilities.
9.5.9 A surgery to serve the new Wainscott housing areas is needed and
funding will be required to achieve this. The council proposes to seek
contributions from the allocated housing developments in that area to
this end. A further facility will be provided as part of the neighbourhood
centre at St. Mary’s Island, Chatham Maritime.
POLICY CF3: SITES FOR LOCAL HEALTHCARE FACILITIES
General practice surgeries and associated health care
facilities will be permitted at the following locations, as defined
on the proposals map :
(i) Castlemaine Community Site, Gillingham (in conjunction
with other community and leisure facilities);
(ii) Builders Yard, Ingram Road, Gillingham;
(iii) Sunlight Centre, Richmond Road, Gillingham (in
conjunction with community and other facilities);
(iv) Wainscott ;
(v) St Mary’s Island, Chatham Maritime (in conjunction
with neighbourhood centre).
9.5.10 The conversion of properties to doctors surgeries and the expansion
of existing surgeries to provide a wider range of healthcare services
raises important issues. The council supports the objective of local provision
of high quality primary healthcare facilities, as this will reduce the
need to travel by car and be more convenient for the public (thus a recognised
deficiency in provision will be a material consideration in the assessment
of such proposals). However, there is a need to balance the need for such
proposals with the impact that they have on local amenity (largely due
to increased traffic flows and parking). Where proposals are otherwise
acceptable on amenity grounds, the requirement to meet the council’s
adopted Vehicle Parking Standards will be judged on the individual merits
of each case, having regard to the proposal’s catchment area, convenience
of public transport and local (i.e. Ward) car ownership levels.
POLICY CF4: PRIMARY HEALTHCARE FACILITIES
New or improved primary healthcare facilities will be
permitted in areas where there is a deficiency in the quality of existing
provision, subject to there being no undue loss of amenity to neighbouring
residents.
Adequate on-site parking will be required in accordance
with policies T13 and T15, unless it can be demonstrated that circumstances
exist to justify a reduction in this standard.
Social Services: Nursing and Special Care
9.5.11 The council has granted planning permission for a number of new
and expanded residential care homes and nursing homes in recent years.
Analysis of demographic changes indicates continuing significant growth
in the over-75 and over-85 age groups, with a corresponding likelihood
that demand for residential care homes and nursing homes will increase.
Community Care Plans indicate service shortfalls for these facilities.
9.5.12 The council’s Social Services Directorate considers that
local needs should be met by local facilities. These should cater for
people in the locality with which they are familiar. Thus, premises should
be small scale and located and designed to respect the amenities of future
residents. Non nursing care or special care residential homes will be
considered against policy H8 of the Housing chapter.
POLICY CF5: NURSING AND SPECIAL CARE
Accommodation providing nursing or special care to meet
needs arising in local neighbourhoods will be permitted, subject to
there being no undue loss of amenity to neighbouring residents. Proposals
should be of a size, design and location that will provide a satisfactory
environment for future residents.
Social Services: Childcare Facilities
9.5.13 There is a range of available childcare facilities including creches,
day nurseries, playgroups and childminding carried out within residential
properties. They provide a useful community service, particularly for
working and/or single parents. Nationally it is becoming recognised that
children who have good quality pre-school experience, make more significant
progress in formal education. Local research indicates that in certain
parts of Medway, in particular central Chatham, there is an under-provision
of affordable pre-school facilities, such as play schools, especially
for children with special needs.
9.5.14 Generally, childcare facilities can be provided in non-residential
institutions (such as church halls and public halls) without planning
permission. Childminding may be carried out in residential properties
provided that the vehicular traffic, noise, activity and disturbance do
not materially alter the character of the property. Where planning permission
is required for childminding, the applications will be considered against
the policy relating to businesses in residential areas (policy ED10).
Education: Schools
9.5.15 Many Medway schools are currently operating at, or near, capacity.
The additional housing proposed in the plan will add to that pressure
and it may be necessary to either provide new primary schools or expand
existing ones. Several sites are reserved to meet the anticipated demand
for new primary school facilities:
(i) The existing schools in North Rochester are close to, or at, capacity.
New housing development, principally on the Riverside, will create further
demand for places. To cater for this, sites have been identified for
new primary schools at the Esplanade and within the Rochester Riverside
Action Area (policy S7). Housing development on the Riverside will be
expected to contribute towards the new facilities in accordance with
policy S7.
(ii) If a need can be demonstrated for a new primary school to the
south of Rochester, development will exceptionally be considered on
a playing field site to the south of the Esplanade/ Shorts Way. However,
it will be necessary to show, by reference to a comparative exercise
that the site is the most suitable for a school, taking into account
all relevant factors including the loss of the existing recreational
facility. In the meantime, the site will be protected by policy L3.
(iii) Existing schools in the Frindsbury/Wainscott area have limited
capacity. There is substantial new housing development proposed for
this locality. Two initiatives are proposed to ensure satisfactory primary
school provision is made in this part of the conurbation. A site on
the existing Temple School site is allocated for a new one-form entry
primary school, which is close to the new housing area. Additionally,
it may be necessary to enlarge Wainscott Primary School to two-form
entry. This will mean the loss of part of the playing field, which will
be replaced by additional land to the south, which is allocated for
this purpose.
(iv) Substantial housing development is proposed at Bells Lane Hoo.
As a consequence it may be necessary to extend Hoo St. Werburgh Primary
School to accommodate the possible demand for places.
(v) The development of the All Saints Hospital site (policy H1, ME
371) will put pressure on schools in the Luton area, some of which are
nearing capacity and cannot be easily extended. The council as Education
Authority is currently investigating the potential of the Medway Community
College site to accommodate a new primary school.
(vi) A site at Grange Farm, Gillingham will be reserved to assist with
meeting the demand from the housing built on site GL178.
(vii) A further site for a primary school at Hillyfields, Gillingham,
is intended to meet primary education needs in the longer term in the
North Gillingham area. It is on land already in the council’s
ownership.
(viii) Finally, a site is allocated for a two-form entry primary school
within the proposed Neighbourhood Centre at St Mary’s Island,
Chatham Maritime (see policies S8 and R8). This will meet the needs
of this new residential community.
9.5.16 The Council supports the proposed allocations for schools in the
2000 Maidstone Borough-Wide local plan at Walderslade which, because of
the catchment areas, will assist in meeting existing demand for school
places in the Walderslade area.
9.5.17 Secondary school roles will be near capacity for the next two
years, serving the existing population. Some capacity will then become
available but in order to meet the additional demand for secondary school
places generated by the housing proposals in the local plan, a number
of schools may need to be expanded. The identification of those schools
will be the subject of further investigation. No new secondary schools
are proposed in the local plan.
9.5.18 In accordance with policy S2 the council will assess the effect
of new residential development on educational provision. Where justified
by the scale of the proposal, contributions will be sought towards new
or improved facilities. The council may choose to seek provision of shared
or dual-purpose facilities (such as sports halls or libraries) when negotiating
educational provision, to enable use by the general public as well as
by pupils. It is acknowledged that many School Managers prefer sole use
sites for security and insurance purposes, and their views on the potential
for dual-use will be sought at an early stage.
POLICY CF6: PRIMARY SCHOOLS
Land at the following locations, as defined on the proposals
map, is allocated for new primary school provision. Development that
would prejudice the implementation of these proposals will not be permitted:
(i) Rochester Riverside Action Area;
(ii) Grange Farm, Gillingham;
(iii) Hillyfields, Gillingham;
(iv) St. Mary’s Island, Chatham Maritime.
Land will be safeguarded within the existing grounds
of the following sites for the development of primary schools:
(i) Temple School;
(ii) Medway Community College.
(iii) Gillingham Community College/Woodlands Primary School
In order to provide for additional facilities a number
of schools may be expanded, including:
(iv) Wainscott Primary School;
(v) Hoo St. Werburgh Primary School.
Further, Higher and Adult Education
9.5.19 The council supports the expansion of Further Education facilities
locally in recognition of the advantages of a skilled and well educated
workforce and the unique business opportunities that will arise from the
close association of core research and academic activities. The council
will strongly encourage the expansion of Further Education as one of its
key corporate aims. The existing Greenwich University campus at Chatham
Maritime offers opportunities for expansion, whilst the nearby Historic
Dockyard may also offer opportunities. Further education is a major people
attractor, producing substantial levels of traffic. It is important therefore,
for it to be accessible and to accord with the sequential tests of PPGs
6 and 13. Therefore major Further or Higher Educational centres should
be provided in readily accessible locations such as the town centres and
preferably related to Chatham as Medway’s “city” centre.
9.5.20 The council’s own Adult Education Service provides a wide
range of services to the community, helping those with learning difficulties,
those returning to work and many other client groups. Services are provided
from a network of centres across Medway, including dedicated sites and
others affiliated to local schools. The council’s Library Service
has, as one of its core objectives, the creation of a framework for life-long
learning. This comprises support to formal schooling, further education
and higher education, together with provision for access by individuals
to knowledge for self-development, scholarship or increased skills.
POLICY CF7: FURTHER, HIGHER AND ADULT EDUCATION
Further, Higher and Adult Education facilities will
be permitted on appropriate sites in Chatham town centre or other town
centres which are accessible by a variety of means, including public
transport, cycling and walking.
Expansion of the existing campuses at Chatham Maritime
and Chatham Historic Dockyard will be permitted.
Cemeteries
9.5.21 There is a need for further provision of land for cemetery use
in the Gillingham area. A site has therefore been reserved, adjacent to
the existing cemetery at Woodlands Road, Gillingham.
POLICY CF8: CEMETERY EXTENSION
Land at Cornwallis Avenue, Gillingham, as defined on
the proposals map, is allocated for an extension to the existing cemetery.
Libraries
9.5.22 Most people in the Medway area now have reasonable access to a
library service and these are generally well used. The central library
in Chatham is poorly located in relation to the centre, and is housed
in inferior quality buildings that the council is committed to replacing
as a high priority. The proposed redevelopment of the library should release
land for open space and for a mixed use development which could include
residential, retail, commercial and leisure uses. A replacement site for
the library facility is currently being sought. Further decisions in relation
to other libraries, e.g. Rochester, may be necessary when the site, size
and timescale have been determined for a replacement central library and
resource centre in Chatham.
9.5.23 The substantial housing development proposed within the plan may
require consideration of expansion of existing library facilities, to
meet community needs, perhaps co-located with other new community facilities.
Electricity
9.5.24 The Kent Waste local plan identifies two sites with potential
for waste to energy plants in Halling and at Kingsnorth. An application
for the latter site was submitted to Kent County Council in late 1996,
but was subsequently withdrawn.
9.5.25 The council would be concerned about proposals for further energy
plants in the local plan area for a number of reasons. There are already
four power stations with a fifth in prospect. This represents a significant
concentration. There are also concerns about the possible effect on the
image of the area caused by such uses and the effects of cumulative air
pollution. This accords with the Thames Gateway Planning Framework (RPG9a)
which advocates the need to enhance the environmental image of the area.
Power stations often require large areas of land but generate very low
levels of employment.
9.5.26 If Medway is to play its full, proper role in Thames Gateway,
it needs to reserve its employment land stock for employment intensive
uses. For these reasons, the council considers it inappropriate to permit
further energy plants except in very exceptional circumstances where it
can be demonstrated that a clear and specific local need exists.
POLICY CF9: POWER STATIONS
Further power stations will not be permitted unless
it can be demonstrated that a clear and specific local need exists.
9.5.27 The visual impact of electricity pylons and overhead lines can
be significant, both when individual lines cross areas of landscape value
and when a profusion of lines create a visually unattractive clutter.
Wherever possible the routing of overhead lines should avoid residential
areas for general amenity reasons. The council will take into account
the potential loss of amenity of prospective occupiers when considering
proposals for new residential developments in the vicinity of existing
high voltage overhead power lines. The council recognises that often the
potential loss of amenity from new overhead lines to existing residents
can be avoided by careful line routing. In view of substantial economic,
technical and practical difficulties between the under-grounding of low
and high (132kV and above) voltage power lines the council will only seek
the under-grounding of high voltage power lines in exceptional circumstances.
POLICY CF10: OVERHEAD SUPPLY LINES
The council will seek the subterranean provision of
low voltage electricity power lines and the removal of redundant overhead
equipment throughout Medway.
Only in exceptional circumstances will the council seek
the undergrounding of high voltage (132kV and above) overhead lines.
Usually careful line routing will be used to protect the character of
AONBs. Special Landscape Areas, Nature Reserves, Ramsar Sites, valued
local landscapes and the amenity of occupiers of existing and designated
residential areas.
Renewable Energy
9.5.28 The council supports the principle of renewable energy schemes.
A stimulus for commercial exploitation of renewable energy schemes is
the subsidy provided by the Non Fossil Fuels Obligation. The Department
of Trade and Industry and Seeboard plc carried out a joint study into
the potential of renewable energy in the South East, which was published
in 1996. It contains no site specific proposals that require consideration
in this local plan.
9.5.29 One of the main sustainable advantages of using renewable energy
is its contribution to limiting emissions of greenhouse gases. Some renewable
energy sources (eg wind, solar) produce no CO2 or gaseous emissions. Another
benefit of renewable energy is the combustion of methane gas from landfill
waste to create energy.
9.5.30 There are often considerable environmental constraints on renewable
energy schemes that will need to be taken into account. There may be a
detrimental visual amenity impact from apparatus and grid connections
in areas of landscape importance. Many types of renewable energy schemes
may mean significant problems of traffic generation that would need to
be adequately addressed. There may be a detrimental impact on amenity
in terms of nature conservation, particularly in the RAMSAR sites.
9.5.31 Locational constraints can arise since, in many cases, the resource
can only be harnessed where it occurs. For example, there is scope to
generate heat and electricity from the bacterial digestion of sewage sludge
at Motney Hill wastewater treatment works, which could make the site self
sufficient in energy.
POLICY CF11: RENEWABLE ENERGY
Renewable energy schemes for the generation and consumption
of electricity will be permitted when the location, scale and design
of the apparatus and associated infrastructure are not detrimental to
nature conservation or landscape concerns and present no significant
loss of residential or countryside amenity.
Water Supply
9.5.32 The council will consult the water supply companies and the Environment
Agency to ensure the availability of water resources for new development
which is not allocated in this plan. New development should not negate
efforts to secure the conservation of water resources by, for example,
the creation of large impermeable areas or the rationalisation of drainage
systems which can reduce the effective replenishment of water resources.
Damage to water resources may occur due to physical disturbance of aquifers
and groundwater flows through quarrying, road construction, new mineral
workings, infill of old mineral workings etc or through contamination
by waste disposal on land, industrial processes, and disturbance of existing
contaminated land.
9.5.33 Development proposals must ensure that adequate measures are undertaken
to protect surface and groundwater resources. The council will consult
the Environment Agency on development that has drainage implications within
the Aquifer Protection Zone 1 Areas. Proposals should take into account
the policy statements in the Environment Agency’s ‘Policy
and Practice for the Protection of Groundwater’.
POLICY CF12: WATER SUPPLY
Development will not be permitted where:
(i) it would have a detrimental effect on the quality
or yield of water supply; or
(ii) it would prevent or reduce replenishment of groundwater
aquifers; or,
(iii) it would have an adverse impact on the flora,
fauna (including fisheries interests) and amenity of water courses and
other habitats whose nature conservation value is dependent on maintaining
water levels;
(iv) it would represent an unacceptable risk to the
quality of groundwater resource, unless appropriate measures are taken
to adequately protect those resources.
Land Drainage
9.5.34 There are large areas within Medway which are low lying and may
be susceptible to a 1000 year surge tide. In the long term, defensive
barriers and walls may need to be raised to cope with rising sea levels.
Low-lying areas may be at risk of tidal flooding should the sea defences,
where they exist, be breached or overtopped. Developers need to take this
into account by not locating habitable rooms at ground floor level. In
some cases, the risk of tidal flooding may rule out development or require
the raising of ground levels or other special measures to overcome the
problem, ideally limiting the depth of flooding to no more than 1.2 metres
(approximately 4 feet).
9.5.35 Broadly speaking, the Council is assured that the current land
drainage network is capable of meeting the scale of additional demand
from future development. Sustainable urban drainage systems will be encouraged
where these are appropriate to the development being proposed, in line
with the Kent Design Guide and CIRIA report 555. Areas susceptible to
floodrisk include Halling and Cuxton Marshes, the Hogmarsh Valley, Rochester
and Strood riverside and the Riverside area of Gillingham.
9.5.36 The Environment Agency generally advises that development, including
the intensification of development, should be resisted in identified flood
plains or areas at unacceptable risk from flooding. Where it is decided
that nonetheless, such development should be permitted, the council will
take account of advice from the Environment Agency. Such advice will encompass
whether to attach conditions to secure flood protection and/or mitigation
measures (including the setting of particular slab levels for buildings
and measures to restore floodplain or provide adequate water storage as
part of the development). Within the built-up area of Medway, flood defences
already exist but may in certain cases have to be strengthened.
9.5.37 New development or redevelopment can increase the rate and volume
of surface water runoff, potentially exceeding the capacity of watercourses.
Development that could increase the risk of flooding must include appropriate
surface water runoff attenuation or mitigation measures. This is in accordance
with policy NR5 of the adopted Kent Structure Plan. All residential allocations
proposed in this plan have been assessed as acceptable in flood risk terms,
but appropriate mitigation measures will be required in certain instances.
The Environment Agency will be consulted in all such cases.
POLICY CF13: TIDAL FLOOD RISK AREAS
Development will not be permitted within a tidal flood
risk area if:-
(i) it harms the integrity of the flood defences; or
(ii) it fails to provide for a means of escape for people
in the event of a flood; or
(iii) it introduces residential living and sleeping
accommodation below the estimated flood level; or
(iv) it introduces mobile homes or caravans; or
(v) it introduces new holiday accommodation between
October and May.
Sewerage and Wastewater Treatment
9.5.38 Development that would overload the sewerage system may require
off site sewers to be requisitioned. All sewerage systems should be connected
to the main drainage system and constructed to adoptable standards. Southern
Water Plc anticipates that development at the urban riverside can be provided
for in sewers already existing or proposed, but elsewhere connections
to sewers may be needed. The council will expect developers to negotiate
with Southern Water Plc to resolve any sewerage and waste water issues.
Telecommunications
9.5.39 Many aspects of telecommunication development are exempt from
planning controls. Those developments that do require planning permission,
or are subject to prior notification regulations, will need to avoid environmental
impact. The operators’ technical requirements will need to be balanced
against the considerations that the council, as Local Planning Authority,
would usually apply. Telecommunications operators are, therefore, strongly
encouraged to liase with the council at an early stage to ensure that
proposals can be accommodated and that constraints are identified.
9.5.40 Telecommunications development can be very intrusive and can impinge
on open landscape. Consequently it is important that location and siting
is carefully controlled. Aerials should be attached to existing buildings
or structures where possible. In order to avoid an unnecessary proliferation
of telecommunications towers, the sharing of apparatus or the attachment
of antennae to existing structures will be encouraged, where this would
minimise harm to visual amenity. The removal of obsolete telecommunications
equipment will be sought and the siting of antennae on buildings or structures
should minimise their visual impact.
9.5.41 Large physical structures can cause disruption and interference
to telecommunication networks. The council will need to be satisfied that
the potential for interference has been taken into account in the siting
and design of such developments. Where the potential for interference
is expected, co-ordination with the Radio-communications Agency will be
required and their advice taken into account.
9.5.42 In assessing designs for new high masts, the council will seek
a mast capable of allowing the sharing of space with other operators at
critical sites (where there are aesthetic or environmental implications).
Operators will be expected to show sound technical, legal or environmental
reasons of an exceptional nature why this cannot be done if they wish
to erect high masts for their sole use.
POLICY CF14: TELECOMMUNICATIONS
Telecommunications development will be permitted subject
to:
(i) the applicant for a new mast showing evidence that
sharing existing masts and sites, buildings and structures have been
explored and found to be unsuitable due to legal, technical or environmental
reasons; and
(ii) the site being the best available in environmental
terms within technical and legal constraints and mitigation measures
have been taken to minimise visual intrusion/environmental impact and
amenity considerations; and
(iii) new high masts being of a design that allows the
sharing of aerial space with other operators at critical sites.
9.6 Environmental Appraisal
9.6.1 In accordance with the guidance contained at paragraphs. 4.16 to
4.22 of PPG 12 “Development Plans” the policies in this chapter
have been subject to environmental appraisal. The policies broadly support
sustainable principles. They encourage the provision of, and access to,
community facilities, for instance by insisting that new school facilities
must be sustainable in location and accessible from public transport routes.
These policies also protect against detrimental impact upon landscape
and the loss of visual amenity.
9.6.2 Overall, the policies have little impact in terms of global sustainability
and natural resources, but where utilities or services development may
have a detrimental impact, habitats and species are protected and safeguarded
against contamination.
9.7 Monitoring Measures
9.7.1 The performance of the local plan in meeting its aims with regard
to the provision of community facilities will be judged against the following
criteria:
(i) The number and extent of services and utilities provided in/by
new development schemes;
(ii) The implementation of the GP Surgery proposals at Gillingham,
Wainscott and St Mary’s Island;
(iii) The number and extent of new school developments undertaken by
the service providers on sites allocated or safeguarded for the purpose;
(iv) The development of additional Further Education facilities;
(v) The length of electricity supply lines placed underground;
(vi) The number of, and visual intrusion of, telecommunications masts
permitted.
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