Neighbourhood Plan

Our neighbourhood planning journey began at our event on a winter’s day in Town Hall Gardens. Conversations transpired into an ambition to create Kent’s first urban Neighbourhood Plan – five years down the line, this has become a reality.

Born out of a desire to get a better deal from the planning system, we set up a neighbourhood forum in 2019 and engaged thousands of local people to hear their aspirations for the Brook, Luton and Shipwrights areas. The examiner, Nigel McGurk BSc(Hons) MCD MBA MRTPI, described the plan-making process as “an exemplary approach to public consultation”.

This formed the Neighbourhood Plan, setting out the community’s vision for our corner of Chatham through planning policies. The Plan was put to a local referendum on 2 May 2024, and we are thrilled to announce that an overwhelming majority of 88% voted in favour.

As a result, the Plan has been adopted by Medway Council. This means that planning applications by developers and land owners within our boundary are decided by Medway Council in accordance with the Plan.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us on this journey, from those who attended our initial consultation events, to those who helped in the hectic days leading up to the referendum. Thanks to your efforts, we are a small step closer to a happier, healthier and greener Chatham.