Kent’s first urban Neighbourhood Plan

Status: Completed, 2019 — 2024

Partners: Medway Council, AECOM, Create Streets & Locality

Project Costs: £50,000+

Arches Local led the process of delivering Kent’s first urban Neighbourhood Plan, from initial designation to successful adoption into Medway Council’s development framework. The Plan empowered hundreds of local people to shape future development in their area, underpinned by the community’s vision and needs.

Carrying legal weight, the Plan ensures that community-led priorities are considered in all relevant planning applications and decisions. After years of groundwork, the Plan was overwhelmingly approved in a public referendum in May 2024 after more than 850 people turned out to cast their ‘yes’ vote, with over 88% voting in favour.

Our independent planning examiner, Nigel McGurk, described the process as “…an exemplary approach to public consultation.”

This achievement sets a precedent for urban neighbourhood planning across England, giving local communities a voice in shaping the future of their areas for generations to come.