DOCSLIB.ORG

Garden Communities Part 2

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Garden Communities Part 2 Maidstone Garden Communities Deliverability and Viability Assessment FINAL DRAFT On behalf of Maidstone Borough Council Project Ref: 48561/001 | Rev: A | Date: August 2020 Registered Office: Buckingham Court Kingsmead Business Park, London Road, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, HP11 1JU Office Address: 33 Bowling Green Lane, London, EC1R 0BJ T: +44 (0)203 824 6600 E: [email protected] Deliverability and Viability Assessment Maidstone Garden Communities Document Control Sheet Project Name: Maidstone Garden Village Assessment Project Ref: 48561 Report Title: Deliverability and Viability Assessment Doc Ref: B Date: August 2020 Name Position Signature Date Prepared by: Jo Lee Senior Associate Reviewed by: Richard Pestell Director Approved by: For and on behalf of Stantec UK Limited Revision Date Description Prepared Reviewed Approved A 04.08.20 DRAFT JL RP B 18.08.20 Final Draft This report has been prepared by Stantec UK Limited (‘Stantec’) on behalf of its client to whom this report is addressed (‘Client’) in connection with the project described in this report and takes into account the Client's particular instructions and requirements. This report was prepared in accordance with the professional services appointment under which Stantec was appointed by its Client. This report is not intended for and should not be relied on by any third party (i.e. parties other than the Client). Stantec accepts no duty or responsibility (including in negligence) to any party other than the Client and disclaims all liability of any nature whatsoever to any such party in respect of this report. Q:\LOCAL PLAN REVIEW\Preferred Approaches Reg 18(b)\Appendices Evidence base update report Sep 2020\Garden Settlements Phase 1 and 2\Stage 2 Garden Communities report v9 JL.docx ii Deliverability and Viability Assessment Maidstone Garden Communities Contents 1 Introduction ................................................................................................................................. 1 1.1 Approach ....................................................................................................................... 1 2 Method .......................................................................................................................................... 2 2.1 Process .......................................................................................................................... 2 2.2 Deliverability Assessment ............................................................................................. 2 2.3 Viability Assessment...................................................................................................... 5 2.4 Structure of the report ................................................................................................... 5 3 Lidsing / North of M2................................................................................................................... 6 3.2 Deliverability Assessment ............................................................................................. 6 3.3 Employment ................................................................................................................... 6 3.4 Transport ....................................................................................................................... 7 3.5 Infrastructure ................................................................................................................. 9 3.6 Placemaking and governance ..................................................................................... 11 4 Heathlands ................................................................................................................................. 15 4.2 Deliverability Assessment ........................................................................................... 15 4.3 Employment ................................................................................................................. 15 4.4 Transport ..................................................................................................................... 16 4.5 Infrastructure ............................................................................................................... 18 4.6 Placemaking and governance ..................................................................................... 21 5 North of Marden ......................................................................................................................... 25 5.1 Deliverability Assessment ........................................................................................... 25 5.2 Employment ................................................................................................................. 25 5.3 Transport ..................................................................................................................... 26 5.4 Infrastructure ............................................................................................................... 28 5.5 Placemaking and governance ..................................................................................... 34 6 Viability Assessment ................................................................................................................ 37 6.1 Introduction .................................................................................................................. 37 6.2 Land value ................................................................................................................... 38 6.3 Costs ........................................................................................................................... 38 6.4 Affordable housing and housing mix ........................................................................... 39 6.5 Headline findings ......................................................................................................... 39 6.6 Summary ..................................................................................................................... 40 7 Conclusions & Recommendations for the Draft Plan ........................................................... 42 7.1 Introduction .................................................................................................................. 42 7.2 Leeds Langley ............................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined. 7.3 Heathlands .................................................................................................................. 42 7.4 Land North of Marden ................................................................................................. 46 7.5 Land North of Lidsing .................................................................................................. 49 Q:\LOCAL PLAN REVIEW\Preferred Approaches Reg 18(b)\Appendices Evidence base update report Sep 2020\Garden Settlements Phase 1 and 2\Stage 2 Garden Communities report v9 JL.docx iii Deliverability and Viability Assessment Maidstone Garden Communities 7.6 Recommendations....................................................................................................... 52 Appendices Appendix A Method Statements and Questions Appendix B Viability Report (Aspinall Verdi) Q:\LOCAL PLAN REVIEW\Preferred Approaches Reg 18(b)\Appendices Evidence base update report Sep 2020\Garden Settlements Phase 1 and 2\Stage 2 Garden Communities report v9 JL.docx iv Deliverability and Viability Assessment Maidstone Garden Communities Q:\LOCAL PLAN REVIEW\Preferred Approaches Reg 18(b)\Appendices Evidence base update report Sep 2020\Garden Settlements Phase 1 and 2\Stage 2 Garden Communities report v9 JL.docx v 1 Introduction 1.1 Approach 1.1.1 Stantec, formerly Peter Brett Associates, has been commissioned by Maidstone Borough Council (‘the Council’) to assess the deliverability and viability of garden community-scale proposals (i.e. over 1,500 homes), that have proceeded through the Stage 1 Garden Communities assessment. This report follows on from the Suitability Assessment that was undertaken by Stantec in April 2020. Because of the importance of testing the proposals, and the Council’s involvement in promoting one, we are asked to independently review the submissions and draw conclusions based on the technical evidence provided to us and supplemented by promoters in response to our detailed questions. 1.1.2 The report provides an independent view and high-level qualitative assessment of the proposals and their likely deliverability. Where possible a quantitative assessment has been undertaken to measure what is being provided against what is required, as set out in national and local garden communities guidance. Cost information has been sought to enable a high- level viability assessment to identify whether the proposals are likely to be able to pay for everything required to fulfil Garden Community principles and specifically ensure that any abnormal costs are included within the financial modelling. The aim is to identify the key issues and risks and which proposals represent a deliverable and viable scheme that could be progressed for consideration in the Local Plan. This report will consider whether there is enough information provided and whether there are any ‘showstoppers’ that mean it may not be appropriate to take forward the sites, as potential garden community-scale proposals, at the current time. 1.1.3 This high-level review does not score, or directly compare the proposals but rather identifies
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Letter C Introduction This Index Covers Volumes 110–112 and 114–120 Inclusive (1992–2000) of Archaeologia Cantiana, Volume 113 Being the Preceding General Index
    Archaeologia Cantiana - On-line Index 2012 GENERAL INDEX TO VOLUMES CX 1992 ( 110 ) to CXX 2000 ( 120 ) Letter C Introduction This index covers volumes 110–112 and 114–120 inclusive (1992–2000) of Archaeologia Cantiana, volume 113 being the preceding General Index. It includes all significant persons, places and subjects with the exception of books reviewed. Volume numbers are shown in bold type and illustrations are denoted by page numbers in italic type or by (illus.) where figures occur throughout the text. The letter n after a page number indicates that the reference will be found in a footnote and pull-out pages are referred to as f – facing. Alphabetisation is word by word. Women are indexed by their maiden name, where known, with cross references from any married name(s). All places within historic Kent are included and are arranged by civil parish. Places that fall within Greater London are to be found listed under their London Borough. Places outside Kent that play a significant part in the text are followed by their post 1974 county. Place names with two elements (e.g. East Peckham, Upper Hardres) will be found indexed under their full place name. T. G. LAWSON, Honorary Editor Kent Archaeological Society, February 2012 Abbreviations m. married Ald. Alderman E. Sussex East Sussex M.P. Member of Parliament b. born ed./eds. editor/editors Notts. Nottinghamshire B. & N.E.S. Bath and North East f facing Oxon. Oxfordshire Somerset fl. floruit P.M. Prime Minister Berks. Berkshire G. London Greater London Pembs. Pembrokeshire Bt. Baronet Gen. General Revd Reverend Bucks.
    [Show full text]
  • FOI-7131-Response-Public-House
    Maidstone Borough Council Freedom of Information Act Request Ref: FOI 7131 Date: 21 May 2018 Request and Response Can you supply me a list of all properties receiving public house rate relief in the form of a spreadsheet. Please include rateable value, property description, property address and account name in the case of limited companies. RV Property Ref Liable Name 1 Property Address 2 Property Address 3 Property Address 4 Postcode 2017 Property Description PUBLIC HOUSE AND 10363616008300 ALL RAPPED UP LTD WINDMILL INN 32 EYHORNE STREET HOLLINGBOURNE MAIDSTONE, KENT ME17 1TR £28,500 PREMISES PUBLIC HOUSE AND 10272764003400 ASPREY LICENSED PREMISES LTD KINGS ARMS THE STREET BOXLEY MAIDSTONE, KENT ME14 3DR £30,750 PREMISES PUBLIC HOUSE AND 10050525001801 BAR 6 LTD BAR 6 14 MIDDLE ROW MAIDSTONE KENT ME14 1TG £44,400 PREMISES PUBLIC HOUSE AND 10383833000100 BUSY GUYS LIMITED PLOUGH SUTTON ROAD LANGLEY MAIDSTONE, KENT ME17 3LX £17,250 PREMISES PUBLIC HOUSE AND 10080208007200 THE RATEPAYER THE STYLE & WINCH 72 UNION STREET MAIDSTONE KENT ME14 1ED £25,750 PREMISES DOMINION HOTELS AND INNS WEST STREET PUBLIC HOUSE AND 10343401000600 LTD ROEBUCK INN, HARRIETSHAM MAIDSTONE KENT ME17 1HX £21,250 PREMISES PUBLIC HOUSE AND 10313148001700 DONOHUE ENTERPRISE LIMITED COCK HORSE INN 39 THE STREET DETLING MAIDSTONE, KENT ME14 3JT £28,000 PREMISES PUBLIC HOUSE AND 10010561017600 GREENE KING PLC BULL INN PENENDEN HEATH MAIDSTONE KENT ME14 2DH £72,500 PREMISES PUBLIC HOUSE AND 10030013002400 GREENE KING PLC DRUIDS ARMS 24 EARL STREET MAIDSTONE KENT ME14
    [Show full text]
  • A Guide to Parish Registers the Kent History and Library Centre
    A Guide to Parish Registers The Kent History and Library Centre Introduction This handlist includes details of original parish registers, bishops' transcripts and transcripts held at the Kent History and Library Centre and Canterbury Cathedral Archives. There is also a guide to the location of the original registers held at Medway Archives and Local Studies Centre and four other repositories holding registers for parishes that were formerly in Kent. This Guide lists parish names in alphabetical order and indicates where parish registers, bishops' transcripts and transcripts are held. Parish Registers The guide gives details of the christening, marriage and burial registers received to date. Full details of the individual registers will be found in the parish catalogues in the search room and community history area. The majority of these registers are available to view on microfilm. Many of the parish registers for the Canterbury diocese are now available on www.findmypast.co.uk access to which is free in all Kent libraries. Bishops’ Transcripts This Guide gives details of the Bishops’ Transcripts received to date. Full details of the individual registers will be found in the parish handlist in the search room and Community History area. The Bishops Transcripts for both Rochester and Canterbury diocese are held at the Kent History and Library Centre. Transcripts There is a separate guide to the transcripts available at the Kent History and Library Centre. These are mainly modern copies of register entries that have been donated to the
    [Show full text]
  • GENERAL INDEX Abbreviations
    http://kentarchaeology.org.uk/research/archaeologia-cantiana/ Kent Archaeological Society is a registered charity number 223382 © 2017 Kent Archaeological Society GENERAL INDEX Abbreviations. K.A.O., Kent Archives Office. (p.n.) indicates reference to the place name. Acton, R., 105. Barfield, L., 1, 52, 53. Addington, medieval pottery, 24; Barfreston, 207. Megalithic tomb at, 1-57 ; parish Barham, 72. records, K.A.O., 186 ; Romano- Barksore Marshes, 163. British hut, 22-23. Barling (p.n.), see Birling. Adisham (p.n.), 61. Barrows, medieval robbing of, 24-27; YElhfrethincden,./Elhfrethinclond (p.n.), see Long barrows. 70. Basingstoke (p.n.), 64. Aslingham, see Islingharn. Bath, G., 105. cat, place name element, 61. Bauer (Bauor) Marsh, Upchurch, 164, ./Ethelmmr (personal name), 63. 165. Aldington, 77, 78. Baxon (p.n.), 62. Aldington Manor, denns of, 76, 82, 83, Bayford, 167. 85. Bayham Abbey, records, K.A.O., 186. Alexander, E., 138, 140, 142. Baylis, R. C. G., 196. Alexander, John: Excavation of the Beaduric, see Bethersden. Chestnuts Megalithic tomb, Addington, Beale Poste, Rev., 199. 1-57. Bearsted, Romano-British pottery, Aleyn, William, c. 1370, 86. 191. Alkham (p.n.), 60. Beckenham, parish records, K.A.O., All Souls College, Oxford, 168 ; lands 186 ; (p.n.), 66. in Harrietsham, 206; lands in Beckett, D., 191. Upchurch, 163, 164. Bede, reliability of, 58. Allen, Henry, surveyor, Tonbridge, Bedgebury (p.n.), 70. 1610, 154. Bedynden, 83; denn of Aldington Allingham, beaker, 19. Manor, 76. Ancient Monuments Inspectorate, 1. Bee boles, Kentish, 209. Andred, 71; (p.n.), 68, 69. Beech, distribution of, 78, 79. Andseohesham (p.n.), 60, 61.
    [Show full text]
  • General Index
    http://kentarchaeology.org.uk/research/archaeologia-cantiana/ Kent Archaeological Society is a registered charity number 223382 © 2017 Kent Archaeological Society ( 389 ) GENERAL INDEX. ••• Abbot, Archbp., 130, 166-7 ; Damaris, Appledore, 47, 53, 96, 323-4; Church, 130 ; Lord Tenterden, 60. 91-97 ; Rood-screen, 371-3 ; Chapel Abel, Jno., Parson of Waldershare, at Home's Place, 363-7. 259-60. Appleton, 120. Aberun, Ingelram de, 328. Arblastier, Thos. le, 328. Acreman, Adam, 262-3 ; Edith, 262-3. Archipole, Ried., of Strood, 291. Acstede, Milieent, 255 ; Robt. de, 255. Architecture, Examples of, Pre- Adams, Jno., 94 ; Mary, 94; Thos., Noiraan, 107, 109, 281; Norman, 94 ; William, 214. 104, 109, 111, 168, 281, 282 ; Tran- Addington, 226, 239. sition, 158, 283 ; Early English, Adesham, 277 ; see Adisham. 109, 158, 283-4 ; Decorated, 19, 91, Adisham, Church, 157-161, 371; 109, 159, 284-5, 371; Perpendicular, Rectors, 116, 126, 133, 162-8, 354-5. 28, 91, 109, 285-8, 376-8. Akers-Douglas, Aretas, 75. Argier, Brief for redeeming captives Alard, Hy., 246, 250; Isabella, 246, in, 118. 250; Johanna, 250; John, 246, Aron, Jno., Brief for, 214. 250 ; Robt., 246, 250. Ash, 225, 238-9 ; Church and lights Albon, Robt., 254, 259. therein, 223 : called Peters Ash, Alcock, Thos., 234. 226 ; near Sandwich, 132, 134, 252; Aldelose, Jno. de, 244 ; Matilda, 244. near Wrotham, 223-4, 235-6, 240; Alderman, Nicholas, 256 ; Robt., 256, Registers, 235 ; South, 226-7. Aldington, 41, 47, 52, 249, 260, 273. Ashburnham, Ann, 366 ; Thomas, 366. Aldyng, 334-5 ; see Yalding. Asherinden, East, 49, 50. Aldynton, 249 ; next Hethe, 249 ; Ashford, 26, 100.
    [Show full text]
  • Boxley Parish Council
    BOXLEY PARISH COUNCIL www.boxleyparishcouncil.org.uk Clerk – Mrs Pauline Bowdery Beechen Hall Assistant Clerk – Mrs Melanie Fooks Wildfell Close Tel – 01634 861237 Walderslade E-mail – [email protected] Chatham Kent ME5 9RU To Parish Councillors, members of the public and press. Date 20 January 2015 Members are hereby summoned and notice is given that a Meeting of the Parish Council will be held at Beechen Hall, Wildfell Close, Walderslade, ME5 9RU at 7.30pm on 26 January 2015 when it is proposed to transact the following business: Time guide 1. Apologies and absences. (7.30) To receive and accept apologies for absence. 2. Declaration of Interests, Dispensations, Predetermination or Lobbying. (7.31) Members are required to declare any interests, dispensations, predetermination or lobbying on items on this agenda. Members are reminded that changes to the Register of Interests should be notified to the Clerk. 3. Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting of 1 December 2014. (7.33) To consider the minutes of the meeting and if in order sign as a true record (pages 3-5). 4. Matters Arising From the Minutes. (7.35) 4.1 Minute 2707/4.1 Boxley Warren Awards for All application. Clerk to complete work and liaise with Cllr Harwood. 4.2 Minute 2707/4.2 War Memorial leaflet. A draft leaflet has been produced and copied to the researcher asking if the parish council can include, with a suitable acknowledgement, the detailed information she has amassed. 4.3 Any other matters arising from the minutes which are not on the agenda. 5.
    [Show full text]
  • Transport Review
    Technical Note c-a.uk.com Lidsing Garden Village 19-062-0001 Rev D Transport and Highways Analysis December 2020 Rev Issue Purpose Author Checked Reviewed Approved Date - Draft JW SW SW JW June ‘20 A Minor Updates JW SW SW JW June ‘20 B Minor Updates JW SW SW JW June ‘20 C Submission JW SW SW JW June ‘20 D Consultation Version JW SW SW JW Dec ‘20 1 Introduction 1.1 Introduction 1.1.1 Charles and Associates are instructed by the promoters of the potential Garden Village in the Hempstead Valley area, as part of the Maidstone Borough Council Local Plan review. 1.1.2 This note has been prepared to expand on information presented in the original prospectus response submitted at the first consultation stage. The note considers the following key topics: Delivering sustainably accessible development; Achieving suitable access; Supporting wider highway benefit through proportionate infrastructure delivery. 11 Lidsing Garden Village 19-062-0001 Rev D Transport and Highways Analysis December 2020 2 Delivering Sustainable Development 2.1 Policy Context 2.1.1 Both national policy, as set out in the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), and local policy requires new development to come forward in a manner that supports and encourages sustainable travel. 2.1.2 A garden village comes with a presumption of some level of inherent sustainability, arising from the mix of uses and the establishment of a new community. However, it is unlikely that the opportunities can be maximised by these means alone. Simple reliance on the principle of a garden village is likely to miss opportunities to affect a wider influence in improving sustainable travel and deriving greater benefit.
    [Show full text]
  • Boxley Parish Council
    BOXLEY PARISH COUNCIL www.boxleyparishcouncil.org.uk Clerk – Mrs Pauline Bowdery Beechen Hall Assistant Clerk – Mrs Melanie Fooks Wildfell Close Tel – 01634 861237 Walderslade Chatham E-mail – [email protected] Kent ME5 9RU To Parish Councillors, members of the public and press. 2 April 2013 Members are hereby summoned and notice is given that a Meeting of the Parish Council will be held at Tyland Barn, Sandling ME14 3BD on Monday 8 April 2013, commencing at 7.30pm when it is proposed to transact the following business: Time guide 1. Apologies and absences. (7.30) To receive and accept apologies for absence. 2. Declaration of Interests or Lobbying. (7.31) Members are required to declare any interests, requests for dispensation, lobbying or changes to the Register of Interests, see reminder (page 3-5.). 3. Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting of 4 March 2013. (7.32) To consider the minutes of the meeting and if in order to sign as a true record (pages 3-5). 4. Matters Arising From the Minutes. (7.33) 4.1 Minute 2514/5.2 Speedwatch: see report (page 5). 4.2 Minute 2514/5.4 Cuckoo Wood: land valuation awaited response from Crown Estates. 5 Report from the PCSO and Police Issues. (7.35) Crime statistics: see report (page 5). To adjourn to enable members of the public to address the meeting. (7.42) 6 Draft Minutes of Recent Committee Meetings. (7.52) For the parish council to receive the minutes. Members are allowed to ask questions of the Committee Chairmen but may not initiate a discussion.
    [Show full text]
  • Comments for Planning Application MC/21/1296
    Comments for Planning Application MC/21/1296 Application Summary Application Number: MC/21/1296 Address: Gibraltar Farm Ham Lane Hempstead Gillingham Medway ME7 3JJ Proposal: Outline Application (with all matters reserved except access) for the erection of up to 450 market and affordable dwellings, nursery and supporting retail space up to 85sqm, with provision of main access to Ham Lane; estate roads; cycle and pedestrian routes; residential and community open space and landscaping; new junction for Lidsing Road/Hempstead Road and realignment and widening of Lidsing Road. Off site related highway works to Westfield Sole Road, Shawstead Road, Hempstead Road, Chapel Lane, Hempstead Valley Drive, Hoath Way roundabout, Hoath Way and M2 Junction 4 - Re-submission of MC/19/0336 Case Officer: Wendy Simpson Customer Details Name: Mr David Attwood Address: Boxley Grange, Lidsing Road, Maidstone me14 3el Comment Details Commenter Type: Member of the Public Stance: Customer objects to the Planning Application Comment Reasons: Comment:I wish to make a formal objection to the Gibraltar Development MC/21/1296 I have farmed at Harp Farm (adjacent to Lidsing Road) since 1974 and Boxley Grange Farm since 1984. The extent of the land associated with these farms stretches from fields bordering the M2 motorway (south side) to conservation land at the bottom of Boxley Hill. In my initial years of farming in these locations, Walderslade and the Walderslade Woods Road had not yet been established and the small country roads were extremely quiet. These country roads south of the M2 (Westfield Sole Road, Yelsted Lane, Harp Farm Road, Lidsing Road, Dunn Street) are predominantly single track carriageways designed to accommodate a rural/village level traffic flow.
    [Show full text]
  • Pickard, SH, Yew T
    FAR TRADES DIRECTORY. 324 FARMERS-Con. Phillips, Thomas, Ryarsh. Phillips, Thomas, Addington. M~nnington, A., Woodfa.lls, Yald· Pickard, S. H., Yew Tree Hill, Box- Irys. ley. Manwaring, F., Stonewell, Hunton. Pope, George, Broomfield. Manjwaring, Harry 'Ihwaites, Yew Prenti.s, W., Dunn St., Boxley. Lodge, Yalding. Pye, Thos., Lidsing, Boxiey. Marshall, Robert, Scragged Oak, Reader, H., Little Pike Farm, Rucking. Yalding. Martin, Thomas F., East Street, R~evoo, Francis, The Hall, W a~r- Hunton. mgbury. "<xr"ll" S tt B ty Reeves, F. G., Addlestead, Peck- M axt e d , vv 1 1am u on, ar ham (East). Farm, Thurnham. d R o b"1ns, T ., c row Plam, · y a ldi ng. May, Stephen, Eccles, Aylesfor · Roper, Missl Alice, Pencourt Mend~l, Samuel, Coombe Farm, Farm, Hollingbourne. ToVIl Road. Rose, George, Chart SUJtton. Mercer, R. and Son, D1tton. Rousseau Albert P. Littil.e Can- Miskirr, Arthur, Ladd's Court, non, vVateringbury.' Chart Sutton. Rowe, \Vm., Linton. Mitchell, R., Yalding. Russell, .J., Collier Street, M organ, A_lcxandcr, Clock House y aiding. Farm, L1nton. Sampson, Frim1d, Harming. Morris, .J., Belringham, Sutton Sands, Mrs., Coxheath, East Valen.ce. Parkig-h. Mummery, vVm., Sutton Valence. Scott, Stephen, Little Comp, Ley- Munn, Edgar, Hunton. bourne. Murdock, Clive, Lint<>n. Scott, ThomaS', Ditton Court, Dit- Naylor, George, Green's Farm, ton. Bredhurst. Sedgwick, Thomas RiLhard, Chart Naylor, .Tames, Dunn St., Boxley. Sutton. Naylor, .John, junr., near Upper Sharp, Chas. Stephe~ New House, Grange, Boxley. Chart Sutton. Naylor, ~Wm., Detling. Shepherd. M. Egerton, Hampstead Naylor, Thomas, Thurnham. Parm, Yalding. Newman, Thomas Goorge, Red Simmms, C., Stilstead House, House Farm, Mereworth.
    [Show full text]
  • Contents Page
    BOXLEY VALE: MEDWAY Location map: BOXLEYCHARACTER VALE AREA DESCRIPTION The Boxley Vale lies between the chalk scarp and the northern edge of Maidstone in a narrow wedge of land almost encircled by major roads. Nevertheless this is an attractive and anciently settled area of countryside. The scarp woodlands, although storm-damaged, have a significant amount of yew and some box, whose dark, evergreen foliage is particularly prominent in winter. To the west the traditional large fields of the scarp foot are in evidence and considerable hedgerow loss has occurred, but east of Boxley a series of small, hedge lined fields are interspersed by attractive parkland. The striking stone walls around the site of the medieval abbey at Boxley in the west add to the strong, historic feel of the landscape. MEDWAY The Boxley Vale lies within the larger character area of Medway within the Kent Downs AONB. The Medway Valley, running between Maidstone and Rochester, divides the AONB into two sections. In common with the other river valleys crossing the Downs, this was one of the earliest areas of permanent settlement in Kent. The long history of human activity in this area is illustrated by the group of pre-historic sites, such as Kits Coty standing stones, which form the most important group of megalithic monuments east of the Berkshire Downs. There are several Roman sites here and the ancient trackway, now known as the Pilgrim's Way, passes through this area. The AONB covers the scarp and the scarp foot within the Medway Valley character, but excludes the industrial valley bottom.
    [Show full text]
  • Lidsing Garden Community
    Lidsing Garden Community Brochure Update Summary Prepared on behalf of the Attwood Family by Hume Planning Consultancy, with specialist additional input by RPC Land and New Homes, C&A Transport, Allen Pyke Associates (Landscape) Lee Evans Architecture (masterplanners) and EDP (Ecology). October 2020 1 1 Introduction 1.1 This update summary follows the short listing of the Lidsing Garden Community location and serves to clarify information supplied in the original Lidsing Garden Community Brochure. 1.2 The update follows engagement with Maidstone Borough Council’s officer’s and consultant’s Stantec, further engagement with a number of stakeholders and statutory consultees. The purpose of the update was to targets specific points of clarification that were requested on matters including transport, viability, and landscape impact and future management. 1.3 An updated Site Location Plan and Masterplan was submitted. 2 Additional Economic Development Input 2.1 Lidsing Garden Community is positioned close to Junction 4 of the M2 motorway and is recognised as having excellent transport accessibility for employment investors as well as being closely sited to a significant existing residential catchment within the surrounding urban area. 2.2 The suitability of this location for employment was identified in Medway’s evidence base to the local plan review also being recognised as a general location for employment at the Future Medway Development Strategy Consultation Stage of the Local Plan which was consulted on in March 2018. 2.3 The development team has previously engaged with Medway Council’s Economic Development team after identifying the potential suitability of this location as a business park as part of a wider development masterplan.
    [Show full text]