Medway Labour housing spokesperson Cllr Naushabah Khan asked the Medway Conservative Group to agree to consult residents of Kingswear Gardens, Strood, about redevelopment that appears to threaten their homes.

The current redevelopment works for Strood Waterfront are the riverside lands from behind Morrisions down river to Medway City Estate. The former Strood Civic Centre and the Kingswear Gardens housing estate are at the centre of that redevelopment.

Cllr Naushabah Khan, Councillor for Gillingham South and Medway Labour spokesperson for Housing said, ‘The Conservatives last week once again showed complete disregard for the residents of Kingswear Gardens in Strood by rejecting this amendment.

‘The purpose of the amendment was to ensure that residents at Kingswear Gardens are communicated with effectively and have a meaningful say in the plans for the Strood Waterfront regeneration which will have an impact on this particular community. Unfortunately the Tories on Thursday denied them this voice.’

Stephen Hubbard, Candidate for Strood North and local activist said, ‘The council’s adopted planning brief shows the bulldozing of Kingswear Gardens and replaced with new private housing.

‘Thus, the selling off the former Strood Civic Centre is only building upon the fears of Kingswear Garden residents who remain in the dark in regard to the future of their rented homes.

‘Regrettably in blatant unashamed political move the Tories ruled that the amendment was not deemed valid and voted on block against.’

The Amendment reads as follows:

Amendment: Item 12 Strood Waterfront – Former Civic Centre

Add 9.2

– Medway Council will conduct meaningful consultation with residents of Kingswear Gardens and Moat and Orbit Housing Association, and ensure they are properly informed, before future plans for Kingswear Gardens are finalised