2

“Regeneration is what you can change. What you can make different for all the people Context because it is for the better” George Stalley age 9

“The plan is good because we can change the way (the) big boys behave and there are going to be more things for them to do” Rhyanna age 8

“I think it will make the Island better “Things are not very good at the moment because it’s going to be easier to get to because people are building new things and school, more people are going to want jobs some teenagers are writing all over stuff. We and there will be more jobs, the roads are need some hospitals and doctors nearer to going to be changed” us. It will affect my future by more houses Devon Dumont age 9 being built and I would like to live near my mum and dad so I wouldn’t have to go a long way to visit them” Matthew Neal age 9 Context

Queenborough

Swale Caradon Works site

Coal wash wharf

Rushenden

Neatscourt Marshes

Railway

A249

Swale Crossing

Aerial photo of the masterplan area and context

18 The Place

Analysis: The Place

The Isle of Sheppey sits within the context of the 7KDPHV*DWHZD\DQGPDMRUFKDQJHLQ1RUWK Kent. It has a strong character resulting from a YDULHW\RIIDFWRUVEXWLQSDUWLFXODULVRODWLRQKLVWRU\ DQGODQGVFDSHKDYHEHHQPDMRULQÁXHQFHVRQ the place today.

Sheppey is located in north Kent with the Thames Estuary to the north, the River Medway to the west and the Swale separating the island from the mainland to the south and west. The LVODQG LV DFFHVVHG IURP WKH VRXWK E\ URDG RQ The Thames Gateway - WKH $ DQG E\ UDLO IURP 6LWWLQJERXUQH  7KH Kent Context $ KDV EHHQ XSJUDGHG ZLWK D QHZ EULGJH ´6KHSSH\ &URVVLQJµ  DQG GXDO FDUULDJHZD\ crossing to the island. This now provides a fast URDGOLQNEHWZHHQWKH0DQGWKH,VODQG

The Isle of Sheppey has a long history of industry DQGPDULWLPHDFWLYLW\ZLWK4XHHQERURXJKEHLQJ the oldest town on the Island and Sheerness KDYLQJRQHRIWKH8.·VPDMRUSRUWV7KLVDFWLYLW\ KDV EHHQ LQ GHFOLQH IRU PDQ\ \HDUV DQG D FRPELQDWLRQ RI SRRU WUDQVSRUW FRQQHFWLRQV and declining employment has resulted in a high degree of deprivation and poor image.

7KLV QHJDWLYH DVSHFW FDQ EH FRXQWHUHG E\ the positive aspects of a rich history, attractive setting and landscape and a great deal of potential which awaits unlocking.

The Isle of Sheppey in context ‡ 4XHHQERURXJK 5XVKHQGHQ5HJHQHUDWLRQ ‡ 1HZ$EULGJH ‡ Rushenden Relief Road ‡ Swale Ecotourism Study ‡ /HDUQLQJ+XE ‡ 6LWWLQJERXUQH1RUWKHUQ5HOLHI5RDG ‡ 6LWWLQJERXUQH 7RZQ &HQWUH 5HJHQHUDWLRQ

7KH UHJHQHUDWLRQ RI 4XHHQERURXJK  5XVKHQGHQ ZLOO VHW D PDUNHU IRU KLJK TXDOLW\ development and regeneration for the Isle of Sheppey.

The Queenborough and Rushenden area.

19 Context - History

4XHHQERURXJK KDV D ULFK KHULWDJH JRLQJ EDFN WR DW OHDVW  $' ZKHQ LW ZDV WKH ÀUVW settlement on the island. The history of the place has continued to inform the masterplan and UHJHQHUDWLRQRI4XHHQERURXJK 5XVKHQGHQ

(QJOLVKKHULWDJHKDYHFRPSOHWHGDVLJQLÀFDQW VWXG\RIWKHDUHDDQGWKLVLVQRZDYDLODEOHDV D SXEOLVKHG GRFXPHQW  &KDQQHO )RXU·V 7LPH Team has completed an archaeological dig on the castle site and the results have informed the study. The Town Council are developing 1769 proposals to use the old school for community use and this is coupled with aspirations to improve the castle site and to interpret it in a ZD\WKDWUHÁHFWVLWVKLVWRU\

4XHHQERURXJKKDVEHHQWKHVXEMHFWRIJUHDW change over many centuries. This masterplan Queenborough Castle as it might once have represents a coordinated response to changing appeared times focusing on the potential the place offers for regeneration and development for the future. An understanding and interpretation RI WKH DUHD·V KLVWRU\ ZLOO JLYH URRWV WR WKH regeneration project. 1898

1970s The Time Team at Queenborough Castle

20 Context - Land Use

Existing Land Use

4XHHQERURXJK 6KHHUQHVV DQG WKH ,VOH RI River Medway Sheppey have land uses that are tied primarily to maritime, industrial and agricultural activities, Sheerness ZLWKWKHODUJHVWODQGDUHDVRFFXSLHGE\JUD]LQJ PDUVKDQGE\VWRUDJHDVVRFLDWHGZLWKWKH3RUW RI 6KHHUQHVV SULPDULO\ FDU VWRUDJH   ,QGXVWU\ XQUHODWHG WR PDULWLPH  DFWLYLW\ KDV DOVR EHHQ FHQWUDOWRWKHHFRQRP\WKRXJKWKLVKDVEHHQ in decline for some years.

Other uses include the sewage treatment plant WR WKH VRXWK RI 5XVKHQGHQ GUHGJLQJ ODQGÀOO DOVR WR WKH VRXWK RI 5XVKHQGHQ  DQG PL[HG UHVLGHQWLDODUHDVDW4XHHQERURXJK5XVKHQGHQ Halfway, and Sheerness. There are also areas RI EURZQÀHOG ODQG DQG H[LVWLQJ DQG KLVWRULF Halfway Queenborough industrial activities, where due regard should EH JLYHQ WR WKH SRWHQWLDO IRU FRQWDPLQDWLRQ $GYLFH VKRXOG EH VRXJKW IURP WKH UHOHYDQW ERGLHVWRHQVXUHIXWXUHGHYHORSPHQWVFRQIRUP with any relevant planning policies.

The wider context is mainly open agricultural The Swale land, often grazed and with a marshland character. This open landscape is very distinctive and is typical of the island.

Rushenden

Neatscourt Marshes

Water

0XGÁDW

Saltmarsh

Agricultural land

Residential and mixed use

Public open space

Industrial and distribution

%URZQÀHOGGHUHOLFWODQG

/DQGÀOO

21 Context

Queenborough and Rushenden today Socioeconomic Indicators

7RGD\4XHHQERURXJKDQG5XVKHQGHQSUHVHQWV There are a variety of recognised indicators a mixed physical and social picture. Physically of relative economic and social prosperity. WKH KLVWRULF FHQWUH RI 4XHHQERURXJK DQG Key indicators include economic activity, the surrounding landscape of marshes and employment, wages, education, and health. DJULFXOWXUDOODQGFRQWULEXWHVWRDVWURQJO\GHÀQHG character. Existing industry and the historic 7KH ,QGH[ RI 0XOWLSOH 'HSULYDWLRQ ,0'  LV traces and remnants of a worked landscape D PHDVXUH WKDW FRPELQHV VWDWLVWLFV IURP VL[ FRQWULEXWH WR WKLV VWURQJ VHQVH RI FKDUDFWHU ¶GRPDLQV· RI GHSULYDWLRQ EHLQJ LQFRPH although in some cases this is negative where HPSOR\PHQWKHDOWKDQGGLVDELOLW\HGXFDWLRQ there are derelict sites or expanses of cleared housing, and access to services. The IMD EURZQÀHOG ODQG  7KH LPSDFW RI D GHFOLQLQJ LGHQWLÀHVWKH,VOHRI6KHSSH\DVEHLQJWKHPRVW LQGXVWULDOEDVHDQGKLVWRULFDOO\SRRUFRQQHFWLYLW\ deprived part of Swale Borough, which is itself has led to low employment opportunities. In one of the most deprived districts in Kent. The addition some development over the most 4XHHQERURXJKDQG5XVKHQGHQDUHDLVUDQNHG UHFHQWIHZGHFDGHVKDVQRWEHHQRIWKHKLJKHVW the 35th most deprived area out of 8,414 areas TXDOLW\ DQG SHUKDSV UHÁHFWHG SHUFHSWLRQV in the country. This relative level of deprivation of the place as one of low aspirations and DFFRUGLQJ WR WKH ,0' LV FRUURERUDWHG E\ WKH opportunities. 3ULPDU\ &DUH 7UXVW·V RZQ GHSULYDWLRQ SURÀOH ZKLFK LGHQWLÀHV WKH 4XHHQERURXJK ZDUG DV Physical Indicators falling within the 20% most deprived wards in England for child poverty. There are physical manifestations of the changing economic fortunes of the area. One Education achievement is relatively low, with RIWKHPRVWVWULNLQJLVWKHH[LVWHQFHRIVXEVWDQWLDO only 7.3% of the population educated to degree DUHDVRIGHUHOLFWDQGXQGHUXVHGLQGXVWULDOODQG OHYHORUDERYHFRPSDUHGWRIRU6ZDOHDQG EHWZHHQ4XHHQERURXJKDQG5XVKHQGHQ7KHVH IRU(QJODQGDQG:DOHV areas offer no positive use in their current form, and detract from the general environment and For the Rushenden area in particular, it is also amenity of the area. They do however offer a QRWLFHDEOH WKDW WKH KRXVLQJ SURÀOH LV XQXVXDO VLJQLÀFDQWRSSRUWXQLW\LQWHUPVRIWKHLUSRWHQWLDO 7KHUH LV D VLJQLÀFDQW FRQFHQWUDWLRQ RI VRFLDO UHXVHIRUQHZGHYHORSPHQW rented housing at Rushenden, which comprises some 43% of the total housing stock, compared Another feature is the extent of land used to an average of 15% across Swale as a whole solely for car storage in connection with the and 14.5% across Kent. The concentration of a SRUW:KLOVWWKHSRUWUHPDLQVDQHVVHQWLDOORFDO VXEVWDQWLDO VWRFN RI VRFLDO KRXVLQJ KDV FOHDUO\ EXVLQHVV DQG D NH\ SDUW RI WKH HFRQRP\ UHVXOWHG LQ DQ HTXLYDOHQW FRQFHQWUDWLRQ RI LWV VWRUDJH UHTXLUHPHQWV DUH H[WHQVLYH EXW persons on lower incomes. generate a relatively low density of employment FRPSDUHGWRPRUHLQWHQVLYHEXVLQHVVXVHV7KH extensive car storage areas also impact on local amenity.

7KHDUHDKDVEHHQVXEMHFWJHQHUDOO\WRUHODWLYHO\ ORZ SURSHUW\ YDOXHV ERWK FRPPHUFLDO DQG UHVLGHQWLDO RZLQJODUJHO\WRLWVUHODWLYHLVRODWLRQ in the past, and this can also lead to a lack of LQYHVWPHQWLQH[LVWLQJEXLOGLQJV

22 Context

Queenborough

4XHHQERURXJK·VVHQVHRISODFHGHULYHVODUJHO\ IURP LWV ORQJ KLVWRU\  LQ SDUWLFXODU LWV PDULWLPH KLVWRU\  $ YDULHW\ RI DWWUDFWLYH EXLOGLQJV DQG spaces make strong connections to the Creek and the Swale. The intimate scale of the town DQGLWVKLJKGHQVLW\RIEXLOGLQJPDNHDVWURQJ Queenborough High Street Queenborough Creek and welcome contrast to the expanses of surrounding marshland. The recent English Heritage report goes into a great deal of detail DERXW WKH GHYHORSPHQW RI 4XHHQERURXJK DQGFRQÀUPVLWVLPSRUWDQFH7KLVLVUHLQIRUFHG Historic access to creek E\ WKH IDFW WKDW WKH &UHHNVLGH DUHD RI opposite castle 4XHHQERURXJK LV ZLWKLQ D FRQVHUYDWLRQ DUHD ERXQGDU\  4XHHQERURXJK &UHHN LV RQH RI LWV most striking assets and is still a working creek. :DWHUSOD\VDQLPSRUWDQWSDUWLQWKHFKDUDFWHU Shops opposite castle Queenborough Creek DQG KLVWRU\ RI 4XHHQERURXJK ZKHWKHU LW EH VDLOLQJDQGQDYLJDWLRQRUWKHFRQWURORIÁRRGLQJ and drainage. Its location is traditionally IDYRXUHG E\ YLVLWLQJ VDLORUV DQG UHJHQHUDWLRQ Queenborough Station and development opportunities will include a positive response to the opportunities that this historic and present use provides. The DGMDFHQWLPDJHVFDSWXUHVRPHRIWKHTXDOLWLHV RI4XHHQERURXJKWRGD\ Queenborough Church Queenborough Park Heritage and character

Today, the historic core of the town comprises a handsome High Street which follows its original route from the castle to the Swale on the north side of the creek. The oldest surviving EXLOGLQJ LQ 4XHHQERURXJK RI D VLPLODU DJH WR WKH FDVWOH DQG EXLOW RI VWRQH LV WKH FKXUFK Well cap on Queenborough Castle Historic access to creek Queenborough Guildhall RI +RO\ 7ULQLW\ 7KHUH DUH D QXPEHU RI ÀQH Georgian houses in the High Street, mostly of EULFN HYLGHQFH RI D SHULRG RI UHEXLOGLQJ DQG expansion, and a handsome late 18th Century *XLOGKDOO KLVWRULFDOO\ WKH FHQWUH RI WKH WRZQ·V administration. The High Street contains the PDMRULW\RI4XHHQERURXJK·VOLVWHGEXLOGLQJVDQG LVWKHKHDUWRIWKHWRZQ·VFRQVHUYDWLRQDUHD

Trafalgar Hotel on 7KH OHJDF\ RI WKH SODQWHG VHWWOHPHQW FDQ EH Rushenden Road found in the castle site, the line of the High Street DQGWKHSORWERXQGDULHVRIVRPHRILWVKRXVHV WKH KDUERXU DQG FUHHNVLGH WKH HOHPHQWV WKDW PDNH XS 4XHHQERURXJK·V KLVWRULF FRUH 7KLV KLVWRULF FRUH KDV QDWLRQDO VLJQLÀFDQFH 4XHHQERURXJK+LVWRULF$UHD$SSUDLVDO(QJOLVK +HULWDJH

Queenborough Old School Conservation Area 23 Context

Works sites

7KH ODQG EHWZHHQ 4XHHQERURXJK DQG Rushenden contains the remnants of much RIWKHDUHD·VLQGXVWU\7RGD\LWLVDPL[WXUHRI semi derelict and cleared lands with existing HPSOR\PHQWRQROGDQGSRRUTXDOLW\VLWHV7KH existing Klondyke site and the empty former Caradon works sites are a testament to the ZDQLQJ LQÁXHQFH RI LQGXVWU\ LQ WKH DUHD  7KH Former Caradon works site Historic machinery at klondyke Moorings within the Creek IRUPHU -HZVRQV EXLOGLQJ LV QRZ EHLQJ XVHIXOO\ employed for community use and skills training and its location, close to the proposed 5XVKHQGHQ FRPPXQLW\ KXE VXJJHVWV IXWXUH SRVVLELOLWLHV  7R WKH HDVW RI WKHVH DUHDV WKH existing steel works and other employment uses DUHVWLOOYLDEOHDOEHLWLQROGEXLOGLQJVDQGZLWKSRRU LQIUDVWUXFWXUH5HJHQHUDWLRQDW4XHHQERURXJK and Rushenden will impact these sites creating Lagoon to south of Moorings within the Creek LPSURYHGDFFHVV7KHUHLVQRGRXEWWKDWRYHU Former Caradon works site ‘Over the Arches’ the long term these areas will change further and may create opportunities for redevelopment and regeneration in the future.

6(('$DUHVLJQLÀFDQWODQGRZQHUVKHUHKDYLQJ DFTXLUHG WKH IRUPHU &DUDGRQ :RUNV VLWH DQG have worked with adjacent landowners to formulate the masterplan proposals. Creek bed at low tide Tanks on Klondyke Klondyke

The ‘dam’ - future access MIT site from Klondyke to station Istil steel plant

Istil Steel railway line to Coal wash Wharf The tidal pond Istil locomotive

24 Context

Rushenden

Rushenden is an area primarily comprising KRXVLQJ RI ZKLFK VRPH GDWHV IURP WKH ·V EXWZLWKWKHPDMRULW\GDWLQJIURPWKH·V,W suffers from isolation, poor infrastructure and poor local facilities. It is approximately 43% VRFLDOKRXVLQJEXLOWDWDYHU\ORZGHQVLW\,WKDV Rushenden shops Playground off Second Avenue EURDG URDGV DQG JDUGHQV DUH JHQHURXV EXW 5XVKHQGHQ ODFNV DQ\ RWKHU EDVLF DPHQLWLHV necessary to make a good community. The 5XVKHQGHQ 5RDG LV WKH RQO\ DSSURDFK IRU DOO PRGHV RI WUDQVSRUW  WR 5XVKHQGHQ DQG LW LV ZLQGVZHSWDQGQRLV\7KHUHDUHODUJHTXDQWLWLHV RISXEOLFRSHQVSDFHEXWPXFKRILWLVRIDORZ Large terraces TXDOLW\ DQG VRPH QRW ZLWK REYLRXV UHDVRQ RU along the waterfront XVH:LWKEHWWHUFRQQHFWLYLW\WKLVSXEOLFVSDFH View over Rushenden First Avenue FRXOGEHRIJUHDWHUYDOXHWRWKHZLGHUDUHD from Rushenden Hill The social housing provider Amicus Horizon manages much of the stock at Rushenden and KDVHVWDEOLVKHGWKHORFDOFRPPXQLW\IDFLOLW\KHUH WKH&$5(+RXVH$PLFXV+RUL]RQDUHHQJDJHG with other partners in the regeneration plans IRU 4XHHQERURXJK DQG 5XVKHQGHQ DQG DUH Rushenden Hill playing a key role in formulating improvements to Rushenden. A quiet but isolated cul-de-sac

“Welcome to Rushenden” Second Avenue Decrepit garages

Rushenden Social Club Semidetached homes Rushenden Road

Bleak entrance to Rushenden Road New play facilities Manor Road

25 Context

River Thames

Grain Power Station

Sheerness River Medway

Aerial view of the marshland landscape

Queenborough :DWHUDVDNH\GHÀQHURIFKDUDFWHU Barrows Hill Church

Furze Hill

Ladies Hole Point

Rushenden Rushenden Hill

Water treatment The Swale works $ODUJHO\ÁDWODQGVFDSH

Landmarks

Sheppey Crossing Bridge Views from high points

26 Topography, Views & Landmarks

Topography, Views, and Landmarks

There are relatively few high points in the LPPHGLDWHDUHDEXWDQ\HOHYDWHGDUHDVDOORZ sweeping views. In particular Rushenden Hill SXEOLF RSHQ VSDFH LV DQ H[FHOOHQW YDQWDJH point. This also means that relatively low VWUXFWXUHV FDQ EHFRPH TXLWH VLJQLÀFDQW ODQGPDUNV  4XHHQERURXJK·V +RO\ 7ULQLW\ Church, for example, is a small church with a ORZWRZHUEXWLWLVDFOHDUDQGYLVLEOHPDUNHURI 4XHHQERURXJK·VFHQWUHIRUWKHZKROHDUHD

In the wider area the new A249 Swale crossing is a prominent landmark and views from this are DOVRLPSRUWDQWWKLVLVWKHYLVLWRUVLQWURGXFWLRQWR the island. Also the imposing chimney of the *UDLQ3RZHU6WDWLRQZKLFKLVYLVLEOHIURPDOPRVW DOOSRLQWVLQWKHDUHDDQGZKLFKKDVEHFRPHDQ Queenborough Church is a local landmark and will be clearly seen from the proposed important orientation feature. Lesser landmarks regeneration areas. The townscape of Queenborough can lend character and authority to any LQFOXGH WKH FUDQHV RI WKH &RDO :DVKHU :KDUI QHZGHYHORSPHQWZKLFKIDOOZLWKLQLWVLQÁXHQFH at Ladies Hole Point and the sewage treatment SODQWVRXWKRI5XVKHQGHQ WKLVODVWZLOOQHHGVWHSV taken to reduce its prominence and enhance 6KHSSH\·VJDWHZD\ 

([FHOOHQW YLHZV LQWR 4XHHQERURXJK DQG Rushenden and of the surrounding marshes DUH DYDLODEOH IURP 5XVKHQGHQ +LOO HOHY P  %DUURZV+LOO HOHYP DQG)XU]H+LOO HOHYP  Clear views across the marshes and the Swale PD\DOVREHKDGIURPWKHWUDLQIURPWKH$ and from the sea walls on either side of the 6ZDOH,WZLOOEHLPSRUWDQWQRWWRFRPSURPLVH any of these important linear views and to HQKDQFHWKHPZKHUHYHUSRVVLEOH

Rushenden Hill is an excellent viewpoint and valuable public open space. The masterplan proposals include opportunities for greater access to the wider population

27 Context: Transport Routes

River Medway

Queenborough

The Swale

Rushenden

Neatscourt Marshes

Saxon Shore Way

A249 Major secondary road Sheppey Crossing 0DMRUVHFRQGDU\URDGF\FOHURXWH Rushenden Relief Road Rail Footpath Sustrans Transport Routes

28 7UDIÀF$FFHVVDQG)RRWSDWKV

7UDIÀF$FFHVVDQG)RRWSDWKV ,GHQWLÀFDWLRQRI([LVWLQJ3UREOHPV Pedestrians and Cyclists

4XHHQERURXJK DQG 5XVKHQGHQ VXIIHU IURP Main Road At the present time there is no alternative poor connectivity and access. Infrastructure dedicated footway/cycleway strategy in the limits access to regenerate former employment At the current time Main Road provides the only DUHD &RQVHTXHQWO\ DOO VXFK KLJKZD\ XVHUV sites and to develop new employment and ORFDOPHDQVRIDFFHVVWRWKH1DWLRQDO+LJKZD\ must use Main Road and Rushenden Road housing opportunities. The recently opened 1HWZRUN 7UDIÀF FRXQWV KDYH VKRZQ WKDW LW ZKLFKJLYHQWKHGLVFXVVLRQLQDQGDERYH 6ZDOH &URVVLQJ KDV PDGH D YHU\ VLJQLÀFDQW KDV LQVXIÀFLHQW FDSDFLW\ WR DFFRPPRGDWH VLJQLÀFDQWO\ UHGXFHV SHGHVWULDQ DQG F\FOLVWV SRVLWLYH LPSDFW WR LVODQG ZLGH DFFHVV EXW H[LVWLQJ ÁRZV DQG LV UHJXODUO\ FRQJHVWHG $ VDIHW\ ,W DOVR IXUWKHU DFHUEDWHV WKH SUREOHP 4XHHQERURXJK DQG 5XVKHQGHQ ZLOO UHTXLUH VLJQLÀFDQWQXPEHURIYHKLFOHVDUHKHDY\JRRGV GXH WR WKH FRPPXQLW\ RI 5XVKHQGHQ·V ODFN VLJQLÀFDQW LPSURYHPHQWV LQ WKLV DUHD WR DLG which increase the environment impact of the RI FRQQHFWLYLW\ SHUFHLYHG DQG DFWXDO  WR regeneration and kick start development of congestion. 4XHHQERURXJKDVDZKROH EURZQÀHOGODQGVLWHV Main Road also provides the only pedestrian/ Bus Services An integral and essential strand of the masterplan cycle route to and from the local primary is a range of highway and transportation VFKRRO DQG 4XHHQERURXJK 6WDWLRQ ,W DOVR $WRWDORIVL[EXVURXWHVRSHUDWHLQWKHDUHDRI improvements to facilitate the safe and IRUPVSDUWRIWKHEXVURXWHEHWZHHQ6KHHUQHVV 5XVKHQGHQDQG4XHHQERURXJK2IWKRVHRQO\ HIÀFLHQW PRYHPHQW RI SHGHVWULDQV F\FOLVWV 4XHHQERURXJKDQG5XVKHQGHQ WZRRSHUDWHUHDVRQDEOHIUHTXHQF\VHUYLFHVRI SXEOLF WUDQVSRUW XVHUV FDUV DQG FRPPHUFLDO XSWREXVHVSHUKRXU7KHUHPDLQLQJVHUYLFHV vehicles throughout the regeneration area and Rushenden Road KDYH IUHTXHQFLHV GRZQ WR DV ORZ DV RQH SHU WRSURYLGHDFFHVVWRSXEOLFWUDQVSRUWDQGWKH week. Evening and weekend services are lower 1DWLRQDO+LJKZD\1HWZRUNDVDSSURSULDWH Rushenden Road provides the only means of VWLOO7KHUHLVRQH/RQGRQFRPPXWHUEXVVHUYLFH access to the community of Rushenden and a EXWLW RQO\ VWRSV DW WKH MXQFWLRQ RI 0DLQ 5RDG &XUUHQW SUREOHPV KDYH EHHQ LGHQWLÀHG DQG VLJQLÀFDQWDUHDRILQGXVWULDOXVHV,WKDVDKLJK and the A249 approximately 2.0km from the the impact of the proposed regeneration proportion of heavy goods vehicle use. It does community of Rushenden. DVVHVVHG LQ WUDIÀF DQG WUDQVSRUW WHUPV 7KH not suffer the levels of congestion experienced WUDIÀF DQG WUDQVSRUWDWLRQ VWUDWHJ\ KDV EHHQ LQ 0DLQ 5RDG 1HYHUWKHOHVV DV WKH RQO\ URXWH Rail Services developed with input front Swale Borough IRU DOO YHKLFOHV LW VLJQLÀFDQWO\ UHGXFHV WKH Council and Kent County Council Technical connectivity of Rushenden to the remainder of 7KHXVHRIWKH6LWWLQJERXUQH6KHHUQHVV5DLOZD\ RIÀFHUV $UULYD WKH ORFDO EXV RSHUDWLRQ DQG WKH4XHHQERURXJKDQGWKH1DWLRQDO+LJKZD\ E\ WKH UHVLGHQWV RI 4XHHQERURXJK DQG 1HWZRUN5DLO'LVFXVVLRQVKDYHEHHQKHOGZLWK 1HWZRUNDVDZKROH 5XVKHQGHQGRHVSURYLGHDFFHVVWRWKH1DWLRQDO the Highways Agency at various stages of the 5DLOZD\1HWZRUNYLD6LWWLQJERXUQH scheme development and it is anticipated that these will continue as detailed proposals come %HQHÀWRIWKH1HZ$DQG)L[HG&URVVLQJ forward. 7KH RSHQLQJ RI WKH KLJK OHYHO ¶À[HG· 6ZDOH Crossing and improvements to the A249 have FOHDUO\VLJQLÀFDQWO\LPSURYHGDFFHVVWRWKH,VOHRI Sheppey. Unfortunately this has had little positive HIIHFWRQ4XHHQERURXJKDQG5XVKHQGHQGXH to the constraint of Main Road.

Rushenden Road

29 Context: Density

Existing Housing Density

A key element in the creation of character in residential development is the density of the development. Many of the historic towns and FLWLHV PXFK DGPLUHG LQ WKH 8. DQG DEURDG are actually fairly or very dense. For instance Queenborough Georgian housing in central London is amongst WKHGHQVHVWHYHUEXLOWLQ%ULWDLQ+LJKDQGKLJKHU GHQVLW\LVRIWHQDVVRFLDWHGZLWKSRRUTXDOLW\RI Over the Arches place and environment however, in reality, it LVWKHTXDOLW\RIGHVLJQDQGWKHSXEOLFUHDOP VWUHHWVVTXDUHVSDUNVDQGJDUGHQVWKDWPDNHV the place work or otherwise.

([LVWLQJGHQVLWLHVDW4XHHQERURXJK 5XVKHQGHQ are illustrated on the adjacent plan. It shows that the 20th Century development of Rushenden LV ORZ GHQVLW\ KRXVLQJ DW DSSUR[LPDWHO\  GZHOOLQJVSHUKHFWDUH GSK ZKLOHWKHROGHVWSDUW RI4XHHQERURXJKDORQJWKHKLJKVWUHHW 0DLQ 5RDG  UHSUHVHQWV VRPH RI WKH KLJKHU GHQVLW\ DUHDV XS WR  GSK   6LPLODUO\ WKH WHUUDFHG VWUHHWVRI¶2YHUWKH$UFKHV·DUHKLJKHUGHQVLW\ areas up to 80 dph. The open spaces of the Swale, Castle and Creek amongst others create EUHDNVLQWKHEXLOWIDEULFDQGKHOSZLWKRULHQWDWLRQ and identity. This suggests that characteristics of place and density are closely related and WKDW LQ SDUWLFXODU DUHDV RI 4XHHQERURXJK  Rushenden seen as particularly attractive are the most dense.

Density Range

/RZHU'HQVLW\ '3+ Rushenden

+LJKHU'HQVLW\ XSWR'3+ Existing Housing Density

30 Existing Housing Density

Queenborough - higher density Queenborough - higher density Rushenden - lower density

Halfway

Queenborough ‘Over the Arches’ Castle & station

Queenborough Creek

Caradon site Swale

Rushenden Road

Rushenden

Rushenden Hill

31 Context

Environmental Factors

7KH HQYLURQPHQW RI 4XHHQERURXJK DQG Rushenden is the result of many hundreds of \HDUVRIPDQ·VLQÁXHQFHFRPELQHGZLWKDORZ lying and water dominated landscape. The Isle RI6KHSSH\VLWVDWWKHFRQÁXHQFHRIWKH0HGZD\ and Thames Rivers and is formed of alluvial clays in an impervious layer over deep chalk. 6+((51(66 Six elements comprise the natural landscape at 4XHHQERURXJKDQG5XVKHQGHQ

‡ ,QWHUWLGDO PXGÁDWV  H[SRVHG DW ORZ WLGH these mostly unvegetated tracts of sediment VXSSRUW ODUJH QXPEHUV RI LQYHUWHEUDWHV waders, and wildfowl. Saltmarsh 5,9(50(':$< ‡ DVPXGÁDWVPDWXUHDQGEHFRPH Sheppey Court vegetated they form saltmarshes, which SURYLGH URRVWV DQG EUHHGLQJ JURXQGV IRU Marshes ELUGV ‡ Grazing marsh  WKLV KDELWDW LV WKH UHVXOW RI containment, drainage, and grazing, and Diggs Marshes forms one of the most important areas in (QJODQGIRUEUHHGLQJZDGHUV 'HDGPDQ·V,VODQG ‡ Ditches  DUH XVHG WR FRQWURO ZDWHU OHYHOV and to fence livestock. They also provide LPSRUWDQWKDELWDW ‡ Sea walls  WKHVH DQG WKHLU DVVRFLDWHG 48((1%2528*+ ¶ERUURZG\NHV·SURYLGHLPSRUWDQWUHHGEHG and upper salt marsh zone vegetation. ‡ The waters  WKH EUDFNLVK HVWXDULQH ZDWHUV SURYLGH YDOXDEOH KDELWDW IRU IHHGLQJ Ladies Hole EUHHGLQJ VSDZQLQJ DQG JURZLQJ RI Point PLJUDWRU\DQGQRQPLJUDWRU\ÀVK

These interdependent elements conspire to The Swale 586+(1'(1 FUHDWHDQLPPHQVHO\ULFKHFRV\VWHPH[KLELWLQJ JUHDW ELRGLYHUVLW\ LQFOXGLQJ VXSHULRU ELUG DQG ÀVKKDELWDW

1HDWVFRXUW0DUVKHV

Chetney Marshes Key: Environmentally sensitive areas

SSSI, RAMSAR, and SPA sites

Masterplan boundary

SLA

32 Landscape Character & the Natural Environment

7KHODQGVFDSHFKDUDFWHULVYDULHGEXWZLWKWKH In particular the new Swale Crossing is a SUHGRPLQDQW RQH EHLQJ ORZ O\LQJ PDUVK DQG prominent structure, as is the chimney of the grazed pasture. A large part of the island is of Grain Power Station on the Isle of Grain. The HFRORJLFDOVLJQLÀFDQFHZLWKWKHVRXWKHUQSDUW FKLPQH\ KDV ORQJ EHHQ WKH DUHD·V PRVW LQSDUWLFXODUDVLJQLÀFDQWKDELWDWDQGH[WUHPHO\ SURPLQHQW ODQGPDUN EXW LW LV QRZ MRLQHG E\ SRSXODU ZLWK ELUG ZDWFKHUV DQG RUQLWKRORJLVWV WKH 6ZDOH &URVVLQJ EULGJH  4XHHQERURXJK·V The centre of the island is higher ground and Holy Trinity Church is a local landmark and ZKHUHDVLJQLÀFDQWSDUWRIWKHSRSXODWLRQOLYHV Rushenden Hill forms an ideal viewpoint. To the east the town of Leysdown supports a WRXULVWLQGXVWU\EDVHGDURXQGWKHEHDFKHVWKHUH while to the north the port of Sheerness lies.

Marshes

:KLOH WKH LVODQG PD\ VHHP ÁDW WKHUH DUH UHODWLYHO\ VLJQLÀFDQW FKDQJHV LQ OHYHO  %RWK 4XHHQERURXJKDQG5XVKHQGHQDUHORFDWHGRQ KLJKHU JURXQG ZKLOH WKH ODQG ULVHV VLJQLÀFDQWO\ towards Minster in the east. Long distance YLHZVDUHDYDLODEOHIURPPDQ\SRLQWVDQGODUJH PDQPDGH REMHFWV IRUP LPSRUWDQW PDUNHUV LQ Neatscourt marshes the landscape.

View north from Rushenden Hill

$ ORQJ KLVWRU\ RI KXPDQ KDELWDWLRQ DQG ODQG use has left its mark in drained and managed marshland, existing and remnants of former LQGXVWU\ DQG VLJQLÀFDQW DUFKDHRORJLFDO VLWHV In particular the dockyard at Sheerness has VHYHUDO LPSRUWDQW EXLOGLQJV ZKLOH WKH WRZQ RI 4XHHQERURXJKKDVWKHUHPDLQVRIDQLPSRUWDQW castle and evidence of occupation at least since Saxon times. View to Rushenden Hill from the north

View from the new Swale Crossing View northwest from the new Swale Coal wash wharf bridge towards Rushenden Crossing

33 Context

The Strategic Environmental Assessment and :KLOVWLWLVDSSURSULDWHWRDVVHVVDQGDSSUDLVHWKH The appraisal and assessment has considered Sustainability Appraisal Masterplan using the SEA/SA approach, there HDFKRIWKHVXVWDLQDELOLW\REMHFWLYHVDJDLQVWWKH ZLOODOVREHUHTXLUHPHQWIRUIXUWKHUDVVHVVPHQW information set out in the Masterplan, with the Introduction RI VSHFLÀF HOHPHQWV RI WKH 0DVWHUSODQ DV appraisal focusing on the strategic elements of these are progressed through the planning the development proposal and the principles The Masterplan, and its supporting documents, system as detailed planning applications. The RIGHYHORSPHQWSURSRVHGE\WKH0DVWHUSODQ KDVEHHQDVVHVVHGDQGDSSUDLVHGLQDFFRUGDQFH scale, nature and location of many of these 7KRVH REMHFWLYHV ZKLFK KDYH EHHQ DVVHVVHG ZLWK WKH UHTXLUHPHQWV RI 'LUHFWLYH (& DSSOLFDWLRQVZLOOEHVXFKWKDWIXOO(QYLURQPHQWDO WR KDYH D QHJDWLYH LQÁXHQFH DUH FRQVLGHUHG on the Environmental Assessment of Plans and ,PSDFW$VVHVVPHQW (,$ ZLOOEHUHTXLUHGXQGHU further and recommendations are made 3URJUDPPHV FRPPRQO\UHIHUUHGWRDVWKH6($ the provision of the Town and Country Planning regarding mechanisms to reduce the negative 'LUHFWLYH DQGJXLGDQFHIURPWKH2IÀFHIRUWKH (QYLURQPHQWDO ,PSDFW $VVHVVPHQW  (QJODQG LQÁXHQFHRIWKHVHHOHPHQWV 'HSXW\ 3ULPH 0LQLVWHU 2'30  LQ WKH IRUP RI DQG:DOHV 5HJXODWLRQV,WLVHQYLVDJHGWKDW D &RQVXOWDWLRQ 3DSHU 6XVWDLQDELOLW\ $SSUDLVDOV WKHVHIXWXUH(,$VZLOOEHDEOHWRPDNHUHIHUHQFH .H\ÀQGLQJVRIWKH6($6$ of Regional Spatial Strategies and Local to the issues considered within the SEA/SA 'HYHORSPHQW )UDPHZRUNV 6HSWHPEHU   ZKHUHUHOHYDQWDQGZLOODVVHVVVSHFLÀFHOHPHQWV 7KH NH\ VXPPDULVHG ÀQGLQJV RI WKH 6($6$ The culmination of this appraisal and assessment of the respective applications to a greater level XQGHUWDNHQDUHVKRZQLQWKHIROORZLQJWDEOH)RU process is a joint Strategic Environmental RI GHWDLO WKDQ KDV EHHQ XQGHUWDNHQ DW WKH WKHPDMRULW\RIVXVWDLQDELOLW\REMHFWLYHVZLWKLQWKH $VVHVVPHQW 6($  DQG 6XVWDLQDELOLW\ $SSUDLVDO VWUDWHJLFOHYHO(DFKVXEVHTXHQW(,$ZLOOUHTXLUH appraisal and assessment, the Masterplan and 6$  consideration of the cumulative impacts of that its supporting documents is considered to have development area in conjunction with others in HLWKHUD¶VWURQJO\SRVLWLYH·¶SRVLWLYH·RU¶QHXWUDO· Background to environmental assessment the Masterplan and known developments in LQÁXHQFH  7KH DVVHVVPHQW GHPRQVWUDWHG WKDW the surrounding area. the Masterplan is will have a particularly positive $VKDVEHHQGLVFXVVHGSUHYLRXVO\WKH0DVWHUSODQ LQÁXHQFHZLWKUHVSHFWWRREMHFWLYHVDVVRFLDWHG LVEHLQJVXEPLWWHGWR6ZDOH%RURXJK&RXQFLOIRU Approach to the SEA/SA with housing, employment and deprivation. eventual adoption as a Supplementary Planning 'RFXPHQW 63' WKDWZLOOIRUPDQRYHUDUFKLQJ The ODPM guidance suggests that where 7KH0DVWHUSODQZLOOKRZHYHUUHTXLUHFKDQJHVLQ guide to the future development within the the local planning authority, in this case land use including the loss of an area of grazing 4XHHQERURXJKDQG5XVKHQGHQ5HJHQHUDWLRQ Swale Borough Council, has developed a PDUVK,QFRPPRQZLWKDOOXUEDQGHYHORSPHQW Following the introduction of the Planning and SA Framework as part of its assessment of VFKHPHV WKHUH ZLOO DOVR EH DQ LQFUHDVH LQ Compulsory Purchase Act 2004, the ODPM 'HYHORSPHQW 3ODQ 'RFXPHQWV IRUPHUO\ WKH SRSXODWLRQERWKUHVLGHQWLDODQGHPSOR\PHQW JXLGDQFHDGYLVHVWKDW6$VKRXOGEHXQGHUWDNHQ /RFDO3ODQ LWLVDSSURSULDWHIRUWKH6$RI63'WR ZLWKWKHDVVRFLDWHGLQFUHDVHVLQWUDIÀFHPLVVLRQV for SPDs and that among other functions, the SA DGRSWVXFKDIUDPHZRUNDVWKHEDVLVIRUIXUWKHU energy and resource use. The Masterplan VKRXOGLQFRUSRUDWHWKHUHTXLUHPHQWVRIWKH6($ appraisal. DQG 6XVWDLQDELOLW\ &KDUWHU DFNQRZOHGJH WKH 'LUHFWLYH7KHJXLGDQFHDOVRFRQÀUPVWKDW6($ ¶QHJDWLYH· LQÁXHQFH DVVRFLDWHG ZLWK WKHVH DQG6$FDQEHFRPELQHGLQWRRQHGRFXPHQW Swale Borough Council has provided its elements and include performance standards framework that was developed along with IRU IDFWRUV VXFK DV HQHUJ\ HIÀFLHQF\ ZDVWH The Masterplan is, a strategic document that is WKH VXVWDLQDELOLW\ REMHFWLYHV WKHUHLQ DQG WKLV generation and resource use such that prepared at an early stage in the development including the scoping process and review of WKH QHJDWLYH LQÁXHQFHV FDQ EH PLQLPLVHG SURSRVDOV DQG DV VXFK QRW LQFOXGH VSHFLÀF DSSOLFDEOHSROLF\ZKLFKOHDGWRWKHIRUPDWLRQRI &RPSHQVDWRU\ KDELWDW ZLOO EH SURYLGHG IRU GHWDLO DERXW HOHPHQWV VXFK DV WKH GHVLJQ RI WKHREMHFWLYHVKDVEHHQDGRSWHGKDVIRUPHG KDELWDWORVWWKURXJKWKHGHYHORSPHQWSURFHVV LQGLYLGXDOEXLOGLQJVRUWKHVSHFLÀFQDWXUHRIHQG WKHEDVLVIRUWKH6($6$ and where there is uncertainty associated with XVHUVZKLFKFDQKDYHDQLPSRUWDQWLQÁXHQFH mitigation measures proposed, monitoring will on the resultant environmental effects and %DVHOLQHLQIRUPDWLRQKDVEHHQFROODWHGIRUWKH EH XQGHUWDNHQ WR GHWHUPLQH LWV HIIHFWLYHQHVV VXVWDLQDELOLW\ LVVXHV LGHQWLÀHG WKURXJK WKH SUHYLRXV 6%& 6$ DQGDQ\UHPHGLDODFWLRQUHTXLUHG SEA to provide a context for the appraisal and DVVHVVPHQW DW WZR OHYHOV  7KH ÀUVW OHYHO GUDZV The SEA/SA represents and assessment and XSRQEDVHOLQHLQIRUPDWLRQSUHVHQWHGZLWKLQWKH appraisal of the Masterplan and its supporting 6%& 6$6($ IRU WKH ERURXJK DV D ZKROH DQG documents at this stage in the development WKHVHFRQGZLWKLQIRUPDWLRQWKDWLVVSHFLÀFWR SURFHVV7KHVXVWDLQDELOLW\RIWKHGHYHORSPHQW the site and its surrounding areas. This second SURSRVDOV ZLOO KRZHYHU EH FRQVLGHUHG WLHU RI EDVHOLQH LQIRUPDWLRQ KDV EHHQ GUDZQ throughout the life of the development through IURPDVVHVVPHQWVXQGHUWDNHQE\6(('$DQGLWV WKH6XVWDLQDELOLW\&KDUWHU consultant team over the past two years as part of the masterplanning process

34 Project Delivery

Table: Summarised conclusions of the appraisal and assessment Appraisal and assessment conclusions Objective Within Beyond Urban Rural Outside the Borough the plan the plan period? period? 1. To ensure that the opportunity is provided for decent Strongly positive 1HXWUDO 1HXWUDO

35 Context

Background take account of future climate change impacts WR WKH 4XHHQERURXJK &UHHN ZKHUH RQO\ D  LQ LI WKH H[LVWLQJ VWDQGDUG RI SURWHFWLRQ LV WR EH  \HDU OHYHO RI SURWHFWLRQ LV DIIRUGHG  DQG LW LV The development of this Masterplan has taken maintained over the design life of existing, and recognised that the level of defence provided RQERDUGWKHUHTXLUHPHQWVRIDOOPHPEHUVRIWKH any proposed, development. The SMP policy for along the southern coast of the Isle of Sheppey is team, the policies at the time of its development WKHVRXWKHUQGHIHQFHVEHWZHHQ5XVKHQGHQDQG FRQVLGHUDEOHOHVV DQG DOO DVSHFWV UHTXLUHG RI WKH UHJHQHUDWLRQ 1RUWK(OPOH\,VODQGLV¶6KRUW7HUP \HDUV +2/' SURFHVV *LYHQ WKH XQLTXH FKDUDFWHULVWLFV RI WKH 7+(/,1(·IROORZHGE\¶0$1$*('5($/,*10(17· Recent two dimensional modelling undertaken as Isle of Sheppey, a key input to this process includes 7KH LPSDFW RI WKLV SROLF\ RQ IXWXUH ÁRRG ULVN  part of the Level 2 SFRA takes accounts of climate DFFRXQWRI¶)ORRG5LVN·7KHDJUHHG0DVWHUSODQ taking account of the impact of climate change change impacts and existing shoreline defence. which included input at all stages from the  ZLOO WKHUHIRUH QHHG WR EH FRQVLGHUHG LQ DQ\ This modelling has provided a more detailed Local Authority and Environment Agency, sets development proposals. XQGHUVWDQGLQJ RI SRWHQWLDO IXWXUH ÁRRG ULVN DQG out the proposed areas for development as VKRXOG EH XVHG LQIRUP IXWXUH GHYHORSPHQW well as development type and in this context The SWALE Strategic Flood Risk Assessment proposals. LV XQGHUVWRRG WR PHHW WKH 6HTXHQWLDO HOHPHQW of Planning Policy Statement 25. However, it is The Swale Borough Strategic Flood Risk Assessment Conclusions and way forward UHFRJQLVHG WKDW LQIRUPDWLRQ RQ ÁRRG ULVN PD\ 6)5$  /HYHOV DQG ZDV SXEOLVKHG LQ2FWREHU FKDQJH WKURXJK WLPH IRU H[DPSOH WKH UHFHQWO\ 2009. This SFRA informs the planning process of *LYHQWKDWWKH6)5$LGHQWLÀHVPXFKRIWKHDUHD SXEOLVKHG6)5$IRU6:$/( DQGWKHUHLVWKHUHIRUHD WKH/RFDO'HYHORSPHQW)UDPHZRUN /') DQGWKH DVEHLQJZLWKLQÁRRG=RQHDWKHUHLVDQHHGIRU need to take account of such change within any &RUH 6WUDWHJ\ 7KH /HYHO  6)5$ SURYLGHV ÁRRG all development proposals undertaken under individual development proposals undertaken as risk policy recommendations and guidance on WKH RYHUDOO 0DVWHUSODQ WR EH DFFRPSDQLHG part of the overall Masterplan. WKHDSSOLFDWLRQRIWKH6HTXHQWLDO7HVW)ORRG5LVN E\ D )ORRG 5LVN $VVHVVPHQW )5$  7KH )5$ PXVW $VVHVVPHQW DQG 6XVWDLQDEOH 'UDLQDJH VSHFLÀF GHPRQVWUDWHWKDWWKHGHYHORSPHQWZLOOEHVDIH 0RUHWKDQRIWKH,VOHRI6KHSSH\OLHVEHORZ to the area while the Level 2 SFRA includes more KDYHDQDFFHSWDEOHOHYHORIÁRRGULVNDQGGRHV KLJK WLGH OHYHO DQG GHSHQGV RQ VXEVWDQWLDO VHD GHWDLOHGDVVHVVPHQWRIVLWHVSHFLÀFÁRRGULVN QRWGHWULPHQWDOO\LPSDFWRQÁRRGULVNHOVHZKHUH GHIHQFHVWRPDQDJHÁRRGULVN$VHDGHIHQFH The FRA will also need to address access/egress strategy, developed for the Environment Agency 'UDZLQJ:%6:/(²)=UHSURGXFHGKHUHIURP DWWLPHVRIWKHGHVLJQÁRRGDQGGHPRQVWUDWHWKDW in 1998, recommended measures to improve the SFRA, provides a comprehensive summary of it is in line with local Borough Council Emergency the defences. A scheme to protect the towns of WKH FXUUHQW (QYLURQPHQW $JHQF\ )ORRG =RQDWLRQ Planning policy. 6KHHUQHVV 4XHHQERURXJK DQG 5XVKHQGHQ IURP IRU WKH DUHD WKH KLVWRULFDO ÁRRGLQJ UHFRUG LQ WLGDO LQXQGDWLRQ ZDV LPSOHPHQWHG LQ  WKH SDUWLFXODU WKH  DQG  HYHQWV  DUHDV $VLWHEDVHG6HTXHQWLDODSSURDFKWRGHYHORSPHQW ,VOH RI 6KHSSH\ 1RUWKHUQ 'HIHQFHV 3URMHFW  DQG FRQVLGHUHG WR EH DW ULVN RI 6XUIDFH :DWHU DQG ORFDWLRQ VKRXOG EH DGRSWHG  WR GLUHFW PRUH LQ  WKH ,VOH RI 6KHSSH\ :HVWHUQ GHIHQFHV *URXQG :DWHU ÁRRGLQJ DV ZHOO DV JXLGDQFH RQ YXOQHUDEOHXVHVWRDUHDVZLWKORZHVWÁRRGULVNDQG project was initiated. SRWHQWLDO HYDFXDWLRQ URXWHV ZKHUH UHTXLUHG ,W PHDVXUHV ZLOO QHHG WR EH LQFRUSRUDWHG VXFK DV VKRXOG EH UHFRJQLVHG WKDW WKHVH ÁRRG ]RQDWLRQ UDLVLQJÀQLVKHGÁRRUOHYHOVDERYHWKHGHVLJQÁRRG Recently, the Medway Estuary and Swale PDSV WDNH QR DFFRXQW RI WKH H[LWLQJ ÁRRG XVLQJ ORZHU YXOQHUDELOLW\ XVHV RQ JURXQG ÁRRUV 6KRUHOLQH 0DQDJHPHQW 3ODQ 603  KDV EHHQ GHIHQFHVVKRZLQJDOODUHDVEHORZWKHSUHGLFWHG ZLWKUHVLGHQWLDODERYH LWLVXQOLNHO\WKDWEDVHPHQW SXEOLVKHGDQGWKLVVHWVRXWWKHSROLF\WKDWLVWREH WLGDOHYHQWDVEHLQJZLWKLQWKHÁRRGSODLQ GZHOOLQJV ZLOO EH DFFHSWDEOH  DQG DGRSWLQJ adopted for the sea defences around the Isle of ÁRRG UHVLOLHQWUHVLVWDQWUHSDLUDEOH GHVLJQV ZKHUH Sheppey. The policy for the northern and western In reality the sea defences along the western DSSURSULDWH0LQLPXPÀQLVKHGÁRRUOHYHOVVKRXOG GHIHQFHVLVWR¶+2/'7+(/,1(·²LHWRPDLQWDLQ shoreline provide protection to events in the LQFOXGH D PP IUHHERDUG DERYH WKH FOLPDWH the existing standard of sea defence. There will order of 1 in 200 years. There is a local weak FKDQJHDGMXVWHGGHVLJQÁRRGOHYHO therefore a need to upgrade these defences to point in the western defences is at the entrance Given the local SMP policy of holding the line DORQJ WKH ZHVWHUQ VKRUHOLQH WKH 6)5$ FRQÀUPV

Flood defences opposite the Caradon Queenborough Creek entrance 4XHHQERURXJKDOOWLGHODQGLQJDQGÁRRG site defences

36 Flooding

WKDW WKHUH LV HFRQRPLF MXVWLÀFDWLRQ IRU IXUWKHU defence improvement and the adoption of ÁRRG PDQDJHPHQW VFKHPHV WR SURWHFW H[LVWLQJ and proposed schemes over the next 100 years. Both land raising and defence improvement ZRXOG EH FRPSDWLEOH ZLWK WKLV SROLF\ WKRXJK LW PD\ EH UHTXLUHG DV SDUW RI DQ\ VFKHPH WR SURYLGH FRPSHQVDWRU\ ÁRRG VWRUDJH ZLWKLQ the development area, or elsewhere in more UXUDODUHDVWRPLWLJDWHDQ\UHVXOWLQJORVVLQÁRRG storage.

'UDZLQJ:%6:/(²)= VRXUFH6ZDOH%RURXJK&RXQFLO6)5$

37 Context

Planning Policy Context Strategic Planning Policy – The Kent and Medway Structure Plan 7KHWRZQRI4XHHQERURXJKDQG5XVKHQGHQKDV EHHQLGHQWLÀHGDVDQDUHDLQQHHGRISRVLWLYH 3ROLF\1.RIWKH.HQWDQG0HGZD\6WUXFWXUH 7KHDGRSWHG6ZDOH%RURXJK/RFDO3ODQ   action to achieve economic regeneration for 3ODQ   LGHQWLÀHV 4XHHQERURXJK DQG in particular: many years. As indicated previously, the area Rushenden as a strategic development area ‡ Policies AAP6, MU5, and MU6, in respect has suffered in the past from a relatively isolated ZLWK WKH REMHFWLYH RI VXSSRUWLQJ HFRQRPLF RI WKH UHJHQHUDWLRQ RI WKH 4XHHQERURXJK location and poor economic performance UHJHQHUDWLRQDQGGLYHUVLÀFDWLRQ,WLGHQWLÀHVWKH and Rushenden areas, in the context of resulting from the decline of local industry. In DUHD IRU PL[HGXVH GHYHORSPHQW IRU KRXVLQJ a Masterplan framework, which should planning policy terms, the town also lies within employment and community facilities in the Thames Gateway growth area. conjunction with environmental improvements LQFOXGHDGHYHORSHUFRQWULEXWLRQVVWUDWHJ\ and transport measures, including the ‡ Policy B21 in respect of employment at ,QUHFRJQLWLRQERWKRILWVORFDWLRQZLWKLQWKHZLGHU Rushenden Link Road. 1HDWVFRXUWDQG Thames Gateway growth area and the local ‡ Policy T9 in respect of the Rushenden Link needs for economic regeneration, the town 3ROLF\ )3 RI WKH 6WUXFWXUH 3ODQ LGHQWLÀHV Road. KDVEHHQLGHQWLÀHGDVDORFDWLRQIRUVLJQLÀFDQW 1HDWVFRXUWDVDVWUDWHJLFHPSOR\PHQWORFDWLRQ new development in successive strategic and and a priority for delivery. Policy QL13 supports local planning documents. This section outlines the delivery of new community facilities in Supplementary Planning Policy – The the relevant planning policies that underpin the association with residential development. Queenborough and Rushenden Development preparation of this Masterplan. Framework Local Planning Policy – The Swale Borough Local Regional Planning Policy – Thames Gateway Plan and Swale Borough Local Development A Development Framework for the A large part of Swale district, including Framework 4XHHQERURXJK DQG 5XVKHQGHQ $UHD ZDV 6LWWLQJERXUQH DQG WKH ZKROH RI WKH ,VOH RI DGRSWHG E\ WKH &RXQFLO DV D 6XSSOHPHQWDU\ Sheppey, falls within the Thames Gateway ,Q DGGLWLRQ WR WKH DERYH 6WUXFWXUH 3ODQ 3ODQQLQJ 'RFXPHQW LQ 'HFHPEHU  7KH area. Regional policy for Thames Gateway is Policies, the adoption of this Masterplan as a 'HYHORSPHQW )UDPHZRUN HVWDEOLVKHV NH\ set out in Regional Planning Guidance for the 6XSSOHPHQWDU\ 3ODQQLQJ 'RFXPHQW LV EDVHG principles and a vision for the area, and the 6RXWK(DVW 53* WKH7KDPHV*DWHZD\ XSRQDQXPEHURIH[LVWLQJDQGHPHUJLQJ/RFDO purpose of this Masterplan is to take that existing 3ODQQLQJ )UDPHZRUN 53*D    DQG WKH 3ODQSROLFLHVEHLQJ adopted Framework forward in more detail. It *RYHUQPHQW·V 6XVWDLQDEOH &RPPXQLWLHV 3ODQ therefore provides greater guidance than the   7KHVH GRFXPHQWV LGHQWLI\ WKH 7KDPHV 7KH$GRSWHG6ZDOH%RURXJK/RFDO3ODQ   Framework on matters including: *DWHZD\ DV D QDWLRQDOO\ LPSRUWDQW VXE in particular: region for the delivery of new development, ‡ WKH VFDOH WKH PL[ DQG GLVWULEXWLRQ LQFOXGLQJ WKH QHZ KRPHV UHTXLUHG WR KRXVH ‡ Policies B21, B25 and B26 in respect of development within the agreed WKHLQFUHDVLQJQXPEHURIKRXVHKROGVWKDWIRUP RI HPSOR\PHQW ODQG DW 1HDWVFRXUW GHYHORSPHQWDUHDV HDFK\HDUSDUWLFXODUO\LQWKHVRXWKHDVWRIWKH 4XHHQERURXJKDQG5XVKHQGHQ ‡ the layout and design of new Country, alongside local economic growth and ‡ Policies H28 and H29 in respect of GHYHORSPHQW the provision of new infrastructure to serve the residential development north and south of expanding communities. ‡ the phasing and provision of social and 4XHHQERURXJK&UHHNDQG SK\VLFDOLQIUDVWUXFWXUHDQG The Emerging South East Plan ‡ Policy E64 in respect of environmental ‡ WKHVWUDWHJ\WREHXVHGWRFROOHFWÀQDQFLDO The South East plan is a document that sets out LPSURYHPHQWV ZLWKLQ 4XHHQERURXJK +LJK FRQWULEXWLRQVIURPWKHGHYHORSPHQWWRIXQG FKDQJHVQHHGHGWRLPSURYHWKHTXDOLW\RIOLIH Street area and Rushenden area following that infrastructure. in the South East England region over the next FRPSOHWLRQRIWKH5XVKHQGHQ/LQN5RDG \HDUV7KH3ODQKDVEHHQGHYHORSHGE\WKH ‡ 3ROLF\,1LQUHVSHFWRIWKHSURYLVLRQRIWKH The Masterplan is consistent with the overall 6RXWK(DVW(QJODQG5HJLRQDO$VVHPEO\ 6((5$  5XVKHQGHQ/LQN5RDG YLVLRQDQGREMHFWLYHVDVVHWRXWLQWKHH[LVWLQJ and underwent wide scale consultation and approved Development Framework. H[DPLQDWLRQ LQ SXEOLF  ZDV SXEOLVKHG LQ 0D\  EXW KDV QRZ EHHQ UHVFLQGHG E\ WKH coalition Government.

38 Planning & Policy

4XHHQERURXJK&DVWOHJDWHZD\ site and community open space Swale and flood defence 3RVVLEOHPL[HGXVH counter wall used as green /DQGQHDUS\ORQVSXEOLF employment/commercial FRUULGRUSRVVLEOHOLQNWR park and playground Creek 3RVVLEOHUHVLGHQWLDORUVPDOO EXVLQHVVXQLWV 1HZEULGJHRYHU rail line 1HDWVFRXUWURXQGDERXW 3RVVLEOHORFDWLRQIRU marina/additional moorings

/$1''(

1 MI Zone 9 8 2 Klo 2 Zone 1 1 3 Ca 3RWHQWLDOKLJKTXDOLW\ * waterside residential 4 4X development Ind Zone 4 5 EA Zone 2 6 1H “Environmental link” ² waterside 7 Exi pedestrian/cycle route 3 GLV Buffer zone to realigned8 A2494X 3RVVLEOHGLVWULFWFHQWUH² 5 ga retail, surgery, nursery etc. Zone 5 KDV SRWHQWLDO IRU KLJKHU TXDOLW\ Rushenden link HPSOR\PHQWEXLOGLQJV road Potential residential land as WUDQVLWLRQOLQNEHWZHHQ +LJKHUTXDOLW\ Rushenden and 4 employment EXLOGLQJV 4XHHQERURXJK ([LVWLQJ4XHHQERURXJK Industrial Estate improved FODVV%% ZLWKHPSKDVLV Employment on manufacturing over land Zone 8 VWRUDJHGLVWULEXWLRQ 6 7 Zone 3 Zone 6 Zone 7 Employment Land Industrial/ warehouse/ GLVWULEXWLRQ FODVV%%

Approximate line of A249

Improve ¶%XIIHU=RQH· around Rushenden To Bridge 6XSSOHPHQWDU\3ODQQLQJ3ROLF\ /$1''(6,*1$7,21 The Queenborough and Rushenden 1 MIT Ltd. 'HYHORSPHQW)UDPHZRUN 2 Klondyke, Sheppey Ltd. 3 Caradon, SEEDA

4 4XHHQERURXJK,QGXVWULDO(VWDWH 5 ($ÁRRGGHIHQFH 6 1HDWVFRXUW&URZQ(VWDWH 7 ([LVWLQJFDUGLVWULEXWLRQVWRUDJH

8 4XHHQERURXJK&DVWOHJDWHZD\RSHQVSDFH

39