The full response to the second round of consultations, released on the 12th of January 2022, can be read in full here
Our initial response to HIF consultations that was issued last year can be read here
The Medway Labour and Co-operative Group have issued a full response to the second round of consultations over the future of Hoo. The full response can be found here
Cllr Simon Curry, Medway Labour and Co-operative Group Spokesperson for Regeneration, Culture and the Environment said:
“There are two things we would like to make clear in relation to these proposals. Firstly, we believe the consultation period should be extended. The realities of COVID have inevitably made public consultation more difficult, and I think the people affected rightly deserve an extended period of consultation to reflect the current situation. If the concerns of the local community are to be properly represented, then local people need more time to make their feelings known either through the Council website or by contacting their local representatives.
“Secondly, we would also like to propose that a proper Sustainability Appraisal for the Hoo Developments is carried out covering all aspects of the impact of the HIF and the associated new housing estates on the local community, the local environment and the local economy.
“This work should have been done in relation to the forthcoming Medway Local Plan, but the Council’s leaders have failed to deliver on this and left Medway’s post Covid regeneration and future planning in tatters. The effects of the developments on the Hoo peninsula are far-reaching and will affect the whole of Medway. This means we need a complete appraisal of their impacts; we need to know that they are sustainable for Medway’s economy, the environment and most especially, the local community.”
Cllr Stephen Hubbard, Member for Strood North said:
“The HIF consultation document is very thin on the difficult stuff. What is concerning is that there is no clear indication that the benefit of the local community has been prioritised by the road improvements.
“We know there are already major issues at Sans Pareli Roundabout, and these will be made worse as housing and the Maritime Academy is developed over the next couple of years. The roundabout is already problematic as it is, and the new proposals make it an even more complex junction.
“We also have concerns around the timing of the construction of the replacement Benenden Rd / Frindsbury Hill junction, which is not stated. We cannot have a scenario where this only happens years after it’s needed.”
Cllr Zoe Van Dyke, Member for Strood North said:
“The Future Hoo Consultation impacts upon residents living in my Strood North & Frindsbury Ward almost to the same extent as the communities on the Hoo Peninsula. The lack of a direct rail link to Strood, or an alternative bus/tram link, will result in an unacceptable level of vehicles passing through Strood and Frindsbury, and along the A228.
“The proposed hit to our local environment is very worrying; the loss of green space, the impact of the new roads and the increase in vehicle generated pollutants, particulates and noise.”