Q. Why do we need more homes?

There has been a huge rise in the number of households – many of them single people. In 1971 there were around 3 million single person households, projected to increase to some 8.5 million by 2021. We need to make the system of home-buying more flexible for first-time buyers and people moving home. This is a new and urgent challenge.

Q. How can Medway’s housing needs be met?

Your MPs, the Council and the Government believe that Medway’s housing requirements can be met by using the sites at Chattenden/Lodge Hill—Ministry of Defence establishment on the Hoo
Peninsula, rather than on Greenfield. In Medway’s case over 80 per cent of development is being delivered on previously developed land. The proportion of homes built on Greenfield nationally has decreased from 44% in 1997 to 26% in 2005.

Q. Why the threat to Capstone?

Medway Magna believe that the plans do not allow enough flexibility to respond to the area’s future housing requirement and are therefore proposing the development of the Capstone Valley. The consortium want to capitalise on at any cost on the pressing needs in Medway.

Q. What is the currently happening?

The Planning Inspector is undertaking an independent assessment to ensure that the council's development stategy documents are sound – or showing good judgement. The Inspector’s examination is the final stage of the process before the plans are adopted by the Council.

Q. What will happen next?

The Inspector has raised concerns about Medway Council's economic strategy. Medway Council believe they have allocated sufficient space both for economic development, the provision of new jobs, and new housing. They are currently putting their case to the Inspector.