This the site where George Osbourne threatened Natural England and they rightly did there statutory job. Medway is annoyed as they now have to find 1.500 houses elsewhere in their local plan.
Homes England has proposed a new approach to the Lodge Hill development on the Hoo Peninsula in Medway, which will avoid direct Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) impacts on the Lodge Hill site.
Following further careful consideration of the environmental sensitivities in and around the site, the new plans are for up to 500 new homes, rather than the 2,000 originally proposed.
Prior to the submission of a planning application, Homes England will develop the masterplan proposals in more detail, which will be presented as part of a public consultation. It will also continue to promote the site through Medway Council’s Local Plan process.
Ken Glendinning, Head of Strategic Land, at Homes England said:
“We remain committed to creating new homes at Lodge Hill in line with the government’s policy on use of surplus land, and we have always been aware of the sensitivities surrounding the important environmental elements of this development. After careful consideration, we believe that this approach will avoid any impact on the SSSI, while still making an appropriate contribution to Medway’s housing need for local people.
“We are grateful to all of our stakeholders and partners, including Natural England, for their support and advice to date.”
Homes England will look to consult on development proposals for the site in 2019 through contact with stakeholders including local residents.
ENDS
Decisions, Decisions, Decisions 