FAQs

Q1: How many houses are proposed?

A: Up to 150 new homes providing a range of housing types, designs and sizes, including affordable housing, smaller homes suitable for first-time buyers.

 

Q2: What elements will be fixed by the Outline application?

A: The main Site access and points of connection into the Site as well as the principal roads, where development will and will not be located within the Site, including areas of open space and building heights.

 

Q3: What type of housing is proposed?

A: This will be determined through future Reserved Matters applications should Outline planning permission be granted, but it will contain 25% affordable dwellings which will be secured through a legal agreement (also knowns as a Section 106 Agreement). It is anticipated that the proposals will be all houses.  

All homes will also be designed to accord with National Described Space Standards, to ensure all homes benefit from good levels of amenity.

 

Q4: What will the housing look like?

A: This will be determined through future Reserved Matters applications should Outline planning permission be granted. However, the development will be in keeping with the character of the area and is therefore anticipated to adopt a traditional appearance drawing reference from the local area.

 

Q5: Will the homes include measures to reduce energy use and include renewable energy technology?

A: Since this is only an Outline application details of construction including the use of renewable energy technologies to be used will be determined at the subsequent detailed planning approval stage (Reserved Matters). However, Bellway Homes is a FTSE 250 company with National influence and as such takes climate change and environmental matters very seriously. These matters sit at the core of its cooperate responsibilities, with policies which specifically look to monitor and actively manage carbon emissions as well as manage environmental impacts. All homes will therefore be designed to reduce energy consumption, incorporating the following measures:

  • The thermal performance of the proposed fabric will exceed Part L (2021) minimum requirements in terms of U-values and air tightness;
  • Orientation will be considered in the design of the façades to ensure energy use is balanced through daylight provision and thermal comfort;
  • The detailed design will follow recognised construction details to ensure insulation continuity for minimising thermal bridging;
  • Solar control glass will be utilised to ensure solar gains are balanced to lower the heat demand but also assist in mitigating the risk of overheating; and
  • Light fittings of low energy types will be specified throughout the scheme.

It is further proposed that all homes will be fitted with Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHPs).

Q6: How much parking will be provided as part of the development and will spaces be provided with EV charging facilities?

A: Since this is only an Outline application details of parking will be determined at the subsequent detailed planning approval stage (Reserved Matters). Parking will however be provided in accordance with the Council’s adopted parking standards which currently equate to at least 1 space for 1-2 bedrooms houses and 2 spaces for 3+ bedroom houses, with an additional 25% visitor parking.  

As required by Part S of Building Regulations, EV charging will be provided to all dwellings with dedicated parking. Communal parking will also include infrastructure to enable future EV charging.

 

Q7: How will ecology be accommodated on the Site

A: The landscape design will be subject to future detailed design at the Reserved Matters stage, should Outline permission be granted. However, the landscape design will incorporate planting types that are ecology friendly and support biodiversity on the Site. Where necessary existing habitats will also be retained and enhanced.

New tree planting will be provided throughout the development and homes will be designed to accommodate features such as bird and bat boxes.

Retained Traditional Orchard

Q8: If Outline planning permission is approved, when would construction work be expected to begin? When would it finish?

A: Subject to Outline planning permission and subsequent detailed planning approval (Reserved Matters approval) in a timely manner, Bellway anticipate development commencing in 2027 and completing in in 2030, subject to market conditions.

 

Q9: How will the owners and occupiers of adjacent homes be protected from disturbance during the construction period?

A: If Outline planning permission is granted, a Construction and Environmental Management Plan would be secured via planning condition. This would restrict construction working hours, noise levels of any equipment, pollution control, dust suppression and location of parking for contractors.

 

Q10: How can local infrastructure cope with the impact of additional homes on services and facilities?

A: The development will contribute towards the provision of local infrastructure and services. Medway Council has in place adopted guidance which seeks to secure contributions towards the following infrastructure:

  • Bird disturbance mitigation;
  • Community services including libraries;
  • Education, including nursery, primary, secondary and sixth form;
  • Health services;
  • Open Space including sports facilities;
  • Waste and recycling; and  
  • Youth provision.

The final sums will be determined by the Council and will be proportionate to the impact of the development. Any contributions towards off-site services and facilities will be secured via a legal agreement (S106 Agreement).

 

Q11: How can I view the planning application?

A: The planning application is available to view via the planning portal on Medway Council’s website. Application ref: MC/25/2538.