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Roadworks website one.network shows two more temporary road closures of Lower Rainham Road, Rainham.
Lower Rainham Road will be closed for utility roadworks near the Redrow Homes Hamlet Park Development from today, Saturday, the 21st of October, until Sunday, the 29th of October.
Lower Rainham Road will be closed again between the junctions of Berengrave Lane and Lower Bloors Lane for remedial works on behalf of CityFibre on Saturday, the 4th and Sunday, the 5th of November.
Access to properties and businesses should be maintained, with a diversion route for vehicles in place.
For information regarding these closures, contact Medway Council: 01634 333 333
Medway’s free parking Monday scheme is set to come to an end after Monday, 9th October 2023.
The scheme was put in place following Medway’s budget meeting in February, but unfortunately, it is no longer feasible to continue offering free parking on a Monday.
The last Monday motorists will be able to park for free in the 10 specified car parks will be on 9th October 2023. After this date, normal parking charges apply.
The 10 car parks are:
Chatham - The Brook and St. John’s
Rochester - Blue Boar Lane and The Cathedral
Gillingham - Littlewoods and Balmoral Gardens
Rainham - Longley Road and The Cricketers
Strood - Temple Street and Commercial Road
Cllr Tris Osborne, Medway Council’s Portfolio Holder covering Parking Enforcement, said:
“Unfortunately, due to the challenging financial situation we have found the council in, we are no longer able to continue the free parking Monday scheme that was introduced in April.
“We recently announced that we would have to make some difficult decisions which least impact our most critical services.”
Medway Council
Your Medway: Your Future: Your Say
Everyone with an interest in Medway’s future is being encouraged to have their say on a document which will help guide how Medway develops up to 2040.
This is the public’s opportunity to have their say on Medway’s future by commenting on the emerging Local Plan.
Medway Council’s vision is to establish Medway as a significant place for high quality urban regeneration with strong connections to its surrounding coast and countryside; with a thriving economy, where residents enjoy a good quality of life and health, and there is a clear strategy for addressing climate change and strengthening natural assets.
The government has set mandatory house building targets for all councils in the country to meet national housing demand. Medway is currently required to deliver 1,667 new homes each year between now and 2040 - a total of nearly 28,500 homes.
Through the Local Plan, Medway Council will be ensuring that it delivers sustainable communities for the future.
Local authorities are required, by law, to have a Local Plan in place. Without one, it is difficult for councils to challenge planning applications that may not be in the best interests for their area, or residents, and result in unsustainable, unsuitable piecemeal development without supporting facilities or infrastructure.
But Medway’s Local Plan is about much more than just building houses. It also ensures the council has a plan which focuses on ensuring appropriate infrastructure is in place and protecting the environment. The plan, when adopted, will identify areas where development could take place and where it should be restricted. It also includes employment and considers better access to green spaces, including parks and play areas.
Leader of Medway Council, Cllr Vince Maple, said:
“We are encouraging Medway’s residents, businesses, people who work in the area, young people, voluntary sector organisations and anyone with an interest in Medway’s future to have their say on our emerging Local Plan. We want Medway’s residents to help shape this important blueprint which will ensure Medway grows sustainably.
“The Local Plan covers a wide range of topics including employment, the environment, communities, infrastructure and homes and this is your opportunity to have your say on the blueprint for Medway’s future up to 2040.
“I would encourage residents to find out more about the emerging Local Plan and have their say by visiting our website, attending one of the consultation events in October or by visiting your local library.”
Medway Council is committed to getting a new Local Plan in place for autumn 2025.
Have Your Say
Everyone is invited to come along and find out more about the emerging Local Plan at a series of consultation events which will be held throughout October, details will be announced soon.
Members of the public can have their say until 11:59pm on Tuesday, 31st October. The consultation document is available on the council’s website and printed copies are available to view at Medway libraries.
To find out more, and have your say, visit: www.medway.gov.uk/FutureMedway
Medway Council
Drop-in Football
Free weekly children's drop-in football sessions begin on Saturday the 1st of July 2023 at the following Medway locations:
Rainham Rec
• 10:00am to 11:00am (for under 8s)
• 11:00am to 12:00pm (for ages 8 to 12 years)
Gillingham Park
• 12:30pm to 1:30pm (for under 8s)
• 1:30pm to 2:30pm (for ages 8 to 12 years)
Beechings Way, Twydall
• 10:00am to 11:00am (for under 8s)
• 11:00am to 12:00pm (for ages 8 to 12 years)
Pottery Road, Hoo
• 12:30pm to 1:30pm (for under 8s)
• 1:30pm to 2:30pm (for ages 8 to 12 years)
You do not need to book for these sessions, just turn up ready to play.
Parental Supervision
Children aged 8 up to 11
Children aged 8 up to 11 years of age must be accompanied into the facility by a responsible person over the age of 16 years.
The responsible person is not required to join in the activity but must remain within the facility during the session.
Children aged 11 and over
No accompaniment is necessary.
Medway Council
Medway Council has pledged its commitment to continue to support businesses across Medway.
The Leader of Medway Council, Cllr Vince Maple, signed the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) Local Leadership pledge on Tuesday 27th June 2023.
The pledge sets out how local authorities can help small businesses and people who are self-employed to continue to grow, prosper and create new jobs.
It includes engaging with small businesses and ensuring business groups are aware of local consultations, visiting them more frequently and having a dedicated councillor to act as a business champion and an officer to act as a dedicated point of contact for businesses.
Medway Council has also pledged to support businesses, particularly in Medway’s town centres, that wish to look into the feasibility of introducing business improvement districts, encourage pop-up shops and ensure the sensitivities, challenges and opportunities for small businesses are captured in future town centre and tourism strategies.
The council will also continue to ensure business support is accessible to all small businesses which need it and consider what support it can offer businesses that are just starting up.
Medway Council currently offers a range of support to businesses including start-up workshops, scale-up programmes, grants and support for High Street businesses to go digital. The council also sponsors the Medway Business Awards.
Leader of Medway Council, Cllr Vince Maple, said:
“I was delighted to sign the Federation of Small Businesses’ Local Leadership pledge. As part of our 100-day plan, we said we would increase the support the Medway’s small and medium businesses and signing the pledge demonstrates our commitment to supporting our local businesses.”
Cllr Lauren Edwards, Medway Council’s Portfolio Holder for Economic and Social Regeneration and Inward Investment, said:
“Medway is home to more than 14,000 businesses and more than 90 per cent are small businesses. We will do everything we can to help businesses through tough economic times, as well as support start-up businesses and those looking to grow. We recognise that a supportive business environment is key to Medway’s economic regeneration, particularly in its town centres, and are committed to delivering it.”
Tim Aker, Development Manager for the Federation of Small Businesses in Kent and Medway, said:
“On behalf of the Federation of Small Business, we are extremely pleased that Medway Council has signed the FSB Local Leadership pledge. This demonstrates Medway Council’s commitment to its small businesses and highlights the importance of supporting small businesses in the largest unitary authority in the south-east.”
To find out more about the support on offer for businesses across Medway, visit: medway.gov.uk/MedwayForBusiness
Medway Council
A weekend of free bus travel across the county
Bus passengers across Kent and Medway will be able to travel completely free over the weekend of 24th and 25th June, thanks to a collaboration between Kent County Council and the bus companies, paid for with funding from the government.
This initiative has been coordinated to support the Kent Big Weekend, organised by Visit Kent, which is promoting more than 70 tourist attractions across the county with many offering free or reduced cost entry.
The Free Bus Weekend is funded by the Department for Transport through Kent’s Enhanced Bus Partnership Schemes.
Passengers can just turn up and travel for free on any bus within Kent and Medway up to 8:00pm on both days and it is hoped that as well as supporting the Kent Big Weekend, this initiative will encourage more people to use buses again following the pandemic, to discover new places, visit friends or family and to help reduce the number of cars on Kent’s roads.
KCC’s Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, David Brazier said:
“We are very grateful to the government for providing us with the funding to support our Bus Service Improvement Plan.
“Reduced use of buses and increased operating costs means that there is a real challenge for operators to sustain their services. This is one of a number of new initiatives that we hope can improve our network and encourage greater bus use helping to make services sustainable in the future.”
Richard Holden, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary at the Department for Transport, said:
“People up and down the country deserve a modern, reliable, and affordable public transport system. That is why we have allocated £35 million to Kent County Council for it to invest in its bus services.
“We hope that Kent residents can enjoy the free bus weekend and continue to use local services.”
For more information about the Free Bus Weekend, visit: www.kent.gov.uk/freebusweekend
Kent County Council
Medway’s businesses and organisations are being encouraged to apply for funding of up to £20,000 to make a difference in their local communities.
In 2022, Medway Council wrote an Investment Plan and received £1.8 million from the government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) to invest in three key priority areas over a three-year period - community and place, supporting businesses, and people and skills.
During the first year (2022-2023), £225,000 was allocated to 17 projects to provide support to local businesses as well as projects which promoted and encouraged people to visit Medway. The projects included Medway Light Nights and the Intra Lateral Arts Festival. The council also used the funding to introduce free public WiFi in Rainham and Strood town centres.
Medway Council has now launched two grant schemes to support local community projects and local businesses.
Businesses, charities, voluntary organisations and higher and further education providers in Medway can apply for grants of up to £10,000 from the new Pride in Place Fund. The fund aims to enhance and support local community infrastructure projects, support and develop tourism campaigns, and help to build capacity for local community groups. Grants of £20,000 will be available in exceptional circumstances.
Businesses can also apply for a £5,000 grant from the Feasibility Fund to conduct studies, research or develop business plans which could lead to further investment in projects across Medway. The projects must aim to encourage people to visit and explore Medway, support local community infrastructure projects or help to build capacity for local groups and communities.
The deadline for applications for both funds is 12 noon on Monday, 26th June.
Around 150 businesses and local organisations attended the launch of the grants at an event at The Rochester Corn Exchange on Thursday, 18th May. They also took part in an interactive session and shared their ideas and thoughts on key projects to help Medway’s town centres continue to thrive, including repurposing empty buildings, improving public realm works and holding more events.
Cllr Lauren Edwards, Medway Council’s Portfolio Holder for Economic and Social Regeneration and Inward Investment, said:
“Medway is a great place to live, work, learn and visit and we are incredibly proud of how vibrant and innovative Medway, as a place, is. We are delighted to launch the Pride in Place Fund and the Feasibility Fund which will both support local businesses and encourage our local communities to celebrate and promote Medway. I would encourage Medway’s businesses and organisations to find out more about these fantastic funding opportunities.”
Medway Council’s new administration has set out its agenda for the next 100-days, with a key theme of providing the right support directly within communities.
Following the local election on 4th May 2023, the Labour and Co-Operative Group became the leading party responsible for the running of Medway Council’s services.
During Medway’s Annual Council meeting on Wednesday, 24th May, Cllr Vince Maple was elected as the new Leader of Medway Council.
As well as thanking the public for their support and recognising the value of council staff providing support to residents, the new Leader of Medway Council expressed his commitment to supporting residents from all walks of life, and particularly those who need to access support services, including housing and social care.
Cllr Maple took the opportunity to outline the key areas the council would be working on during his first 100-days in post.
During his speech at the meeting, Cllr Maple, said:
“In our first 100-days, we will start the change people voted for by bringing forward a Cost of Living Plan for Medway, start to tackle the rogue landlords, bring forward recommendations to improve GP services, enhance the democracy of this council, take on the fly-tipping and anti-social behaviour, reaffirm our commitment to our Armed Forces, increase the support for Medway’s small and medium businesses, work hard to ensure we make progress when the next Ofsted inspection of Children’s Services arrives, improve the way residents can interact with the council and much much more.”
Medway’s new Leader also announced the new Cabinet, who will be responsible for working towards the agenda:
• Leader Cllr Vince Maple - In charge of Finance and Strategic Overview
• Deputy Leader Teresa Murray - In charge of Health and Adults’ Services
• Cllr Adam Price - Children’s Services
• Cllr Tracy Coombs - Education
• Cllr Naushabah Khan - Housing and Property
• Cllr Simon Curry - Climate Change and Strategic Regeneration
• Cllr Lauren Edwards - Economic Regeneration and Inward Investment
• Cllr Tris Osborne - Community Safety and Enforcement
• Cllr Harinder Mahil - Heritage, Culture and Leisure
• Cllr Zoe Van Dyke - Business Management
Cabinet members will also be working with services across the council on a number of other projects including introducing a new neighbourhood warden for each ward, new parks and improved access to green spaces, regenerating Medway’s high streets and creating 1,000 new jobs in Medway by 2027, as well as on climate change, social care provision and better supporting schools.
To kick start the 100-day plan, Cllr Maple and members of the Cabinet will be supporting Volunteers’ Week from 1st to 7th June - a national campaign thanking everyone who contributes their time to make a difference in their communities - and visiting voluntary organisations across Medway.
Leader of Medway Council, Cllr Maple, said:
“I am privileged to have been elected and am proud to be representing Medway. I’ve lived nearly all my life in Medway since moving here when my Dad served in the Royal Navy, I was educated in Medway and I’m proud to call Medway home. Everything I have set out during our 100-day plan, and that I hope to achieve over our four-year term, is to help and benefit Medway residents.
“I am looking forward to getting out in the community meeting and working for our residents as the Leader of Medway Council, as well as developing closer relationships with Medway’s partner organisations to achieve more for Medway.”
The full list of ward councillors, Cabinet members and representatives on committees will be updated on our website, at: www.medway.gov.uk/councillor
Medway Council
Celebrate iconic traditions at The English Festival
Celebrate English traditions, both old and new, ahead of St George's Day at a free family festival at one of Medway’s award-winning country parks next month.
There will be Punch and Judy shows, a helter skelter, live music and a George and the Dragon show at The English Festival on Saturday, 15th April, at Riverside Country Park, from 11:00am until 5:00pm.
There will be something for residents and visitors of all ages to enjoy including the ever-popular beach area, have-a-go-archery sessions, miniature steam engines and even a medieval encampment.
Cllr Howard Doe, Deputy Leader of Medway Council and Portfolio Holder for Community Services, said:
“The annual English Festival at Riverside Country Park is always incredibly popular with families as there is a whole range of fun traditions and exciting activities to take part in. There will truly be something for everyone to enjoy including a tractor display, a fun fair and, of course, a George and the Dragon show. We are looking forward to welcoming thousands of residents, and visitors, to the festival next month.”
Getting to the festival
A park and ride service will be available to take residents and visitors to The English Festival.
Visitors can park at the University of Greenwich’s Medway campus and will be taken to the festival by bus. The park and ride service will run every 12 minutes and return tickets cost £1.50 for adults, under 16s travel for free.
There are also two shuttle services running.
The first shuttle service will start at Chatham Waterfront Bus Station and call at Jeffery Street, Richmond Road, The Strand and Riverside Country Park. It will run every 20 minutes and return tickets cost £1.50 for adults, under 16s travel for free.
The second shuttle service will run between the Cricketers pub on the A2 and Riverside Country Park, stopping outside Mariners Farm. It will run every 30 minutes and return tickets cost £1.50 for adults, under 16s travel for free.
The event shuttle bus timetables can be found on the Visit Medway website.
Onsite parking is available on a first come, first serve basis and will cost £6.
For blue badge holders, parking is available onsite, free of charge. Please note that the parking will be on a field and may be uneven in certain areas.
Park and walk is also available at Bloors Wharf, which costs £3.
Medway Council
Free Monday parking in 10 car parks
From Monday the 3rd of April 2023, there will be free parking every Monday from 9:00am in 10 car parks across Medway.
You do not need to do anything, just park and enjoy the benefits that your local high street has to offer.
Be aware that if your vehicle is still in the car park when the next charging period starts, you will have to ensure that payment is then made to cover your continued stay.
Times vary, please see below for details:
Chatham
• The Brook car park - free from 9:00am on Monday until 12.01am on Tuesday
• St Johns car park - free from 9:00am on Monday until 7:00am on Tuesday
Rochester
• Blue Boar Lane car park - free from 9:00am on Monday until 7:00am on Tuesday
• Cathedral car park - free from 9:00am on Monday until 7:00am on Tuesday
Gillingham
• Littlewoods car park - free from 9:00am on Monday until 7:00am on Tuesday
• Balmoral Gardens car park - free from 9:00am on Monday until 7:00am on Tuesday
Rainham
• Longley Road car park - free from 9:00am on Monday until 7:00am on Tuesday
• Cricketers car park - free from 9:00am on Monday until 7:00am on Tuesday
Strood
• Temple Street car park - free from 9:00am on Monday until 7:00am on Tuesday
• Commercial Road car park - free from 9:00am on Monday until 7:00am on Tuesday
Encouraging more people to visit our high streets
Leader of Medway Council, Cllr Alan Jarrett, said:
“We are committed to supporting local businesses and this free parking initiative aims to encourage more people to visit our high streets. Motorists do not need to do anything to use the free parking, simply park and enjoy the wide variety of shops on offer in our town centres.”
Helping small businesses
Tim Aker, Development Manager for the Federation of Small Businesses in Kent and Medway, said:
“Introducing these periods of free parking will help small businesses on the high street. Footfall matters to independent retailers and those businesses struggling with the increasing cost of doing business. We are aware of the financial pressures councils are under, and this move demonstrates Medway Council’s commitment to its high streets and small businesses.”
Medway Council
Long Reach Gospel Trust has submitted outline planning application MC/23/0389 with all matters reserved to Medway Council for consideration for the development of up to 22 residential units at land south of Canterbury Lane, Rainham, Gillingham, Kent, ME8 8AS, currently the site of Plymouth Brethren Gospel Hall.
Final access to the new development would be from both Canterbury Lane and Otterham Quay Lane, with a new pedestrian access footpath link and open space play area.
Comments can also be made in writing to:
The Planning Service
Medway Council
Civic Headquarters
Gun Wharf
Dock Road
Chatham
Kent
ME4 4TR
Comments on this application should reach Medway Council within 21 days of the advertisement posted on site, dated 20th February 2023.
Upchurch Matters
Household Waste Recycling Centres
Charges for non-Kent residents
New cross border charging policy from 1st April 2023
From 1st April 2023, non-Kent residents who use any of KCC's 19 Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs), will be required to pay £10 to visit.
By non-Kent residents KCC means any resident that does not pay council tax to one of the following Kent councils:
• Ashford Borough Council
• Canterbury City Council
• Dartford Borough Council
• Dover District Council
• Folkestone and Hythe Borough Council
• Gravesham Borough Council
• Maidstone Borough Council
• Sevenoaks District Council
• Swale Borough Council
• Thanet District Council
• Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council
• Tunbridge Wells Borough Council
This also means Medway residents will be required to pay the £10 fee.
When you use the KCC booking system, non-Kent residents will be told they have to pay £10 per visit / booking on arrival at the HWRC site. This information will also be included on the confirmation Emails. KCC staff will request payment when you arrive and they reserve the right to request proof of residency.
Payment is by card only.
Read further information about the: decision about the cross border charging policy
Medway Council cross border policy
KCC has been informed by Medway Council, that from 31st March 2023, Kent residents (residents who do not pay their council tax to Medway Council) will no longer be permitted to use any of the 3 Medway Council operated HWRCs (Capstone HWRC, Cuxton HWRC and Hoath Way HWRC).
Medway Council
Update on Medway Household Waste Recycling Centres
From 31st March 2023, only Medway Council residents will be able to use the area’s 3 household waste and recycling centres (HWRCs).
This follows a decision from Kent County Council to end their contract with Medway Council to reimburse costs for Kent residents who use Medway’s waste facilities, following the opening of a waste and recycling site at Allington.
The decision from Kent County Council means that Kent residents will no longer be able to access Medway’s HWRCs. Medway’s HWRCs received, on average, 44,000 visits from Kent residents during 2021/22.
Residents who pay council tax to Medway Council will continue to be able to book a slot to visit all 3 of Medway’s HWRCs and access them for free. Medway residents will need to bring proof of address, such as a driving licence or council tax bill, with their booking reference.
What this means for Kent residents
From Friday, 31st March 2023, Kent residents will no longer be able to visit Medway’s HWRCs at Cuxton, Capstone or Hoath Way in Gillingham.
Kent residents will instead need to use the recycling centres managed by Kent County Council, including the new site at Allington.
Cllr Phil Filmer, Medway Council’s Portfolio Holder covering Waste Services, said:
“Medway provides an excellent waste and recycling service, including free weekly household collections. Medway’s three household waste and recycling centres accept a variety of items people no longer need, and the booking system helps manage demand for this service.
“Thousands of Kent residents had been choosing to use Medway’s household waste and recycling centres, and the agreement with Kent County Council ensured that costs were reimbursed so Medway taxpayers did not pick up the bill. However, now this agreement has come to an end Kent residents will no longer be able to access our three sites. From 31st March, only residents who pay council tax to Medway Council will be able to book a trip to a Medway tip.”
Medway has 3 household waste and recycling centres:
• Hoath Way, Gillingham
• Capstone, Shawstead Road
• Cuxton, Sundridge Hill
For more details on opening times and what you can recycle at a Medway HWRC, or to book a slot, visit: medway.gov.uk/tipbooking
Upchurch Matters
When visiting one of Medway’s Household Waste and Recycling Centres (HWRCs), residents can now donate reusable items to a charity.
Residents can donate good quality, clean items including furniture, fridges, freezers, washing machines, small electrical items, books, homeware, tools and toys at Medway Council’s three HWRCs in Capstone, Cuxton and Hoath Way, Gillingham, thanks to a new partnership between Medway Norse and Gillingham Street Angels.
Medway Norse manages the recycling centres on behalf of Medway Council.
Gillingham Street Angels supports people across Medway during difficult times and has charity shops in Rochester, Chatham and Gillingham.
The charity was awarded the overall Pride in Medway award at last year’s awards.
Cllr Phil Filmer, Medway Council’s Portfolio Holder for Frontline Services, said:
“I am pleased that we are working with Gillingham Street Angels. By donating quality second-hand items to charity instead of throwing them away, residents will be helping the environment, contributing to a more sustainable future and supporting a Medway charity which helps some of Medway’s most vulnerable residents. We are extremely grateful to all of the charitable organisations and community groups who support residents.”
Neil Charlick, CEO of Gillingham Street Angels, said:
“Gillingham Street Angels is delighted to be working in partnership with Medway Norse and Medway Council. Our ethos is to repair, reuse, recycle and repurpose where possible. This contract will provide the opportunity for us to offer community groups where people can come together to learn and share new skills by up-cycling unwanted items.”
This exciting project also supports Medway Council’s climate change ambitions.
For more information, visit: medway.gov.uk/DonateReusableItems
Medway Council
🅿️ Medway Council has announced FREE Christmas parking dates in Medway Council run public car parks from Thursday 15th December 2022 to Sunday 18th December 2022 inclusive.
🚙🚙🚗🚗🚙🚙🚗🚗🚙🚙🚗🚗
Upchurch Matters
Paddington is coming to Rainham Shopping Centre this Christmas on Friday the 2nd of December, to help the Mayor of Medway start off the festive season.
There will be family entertainment from 3:45pm, hosted by KMFM, and the switch-on is planned for 5:00pm.
PLUS, don’t miss the opportunity to meet Paddington beforehand at Rainham Library at 2:00pm. This a free event, but booking to meet Paddington is essential - Please phone 01634 337799.
Upchurch Matters
Click plans to enlarge.
Members of Medway Council’s Planning Committee have voted against granting planning permission for 2 housing developments in neighbouring Rainham South ward, with 11 against and 4 in favour.
1.
Esquire Developments submitted outline planning application: MC/21/2225 to Medway Council in July 2021 with all matters reserved (except access) for a residential development of up to 48 dwellings, including associated access, parking, landscaping and open space on land to the East of Seymour Road and North of London Road, Rainham.
The proposed development would be accessed from a new entrance created on the A2 - London Road, Rainham, almost opposite the junction with South Bush Lane.
2.
Bellway Homes Ltd submitted full planning application: MC/21/3125 to Medway Council in October 2021 for the development of 74 (later amended to 66) dwellings (including 25% affordable housing) together with open space, landscaping, drainage, access, parking and associated works on land North of Moor Street, Rainham.
The proposed development would be accessed from the new roundabout junction on Otterham Quay Lane, which serves the Leigh Academy Rainham.
Upchurch Matters
Natasha's winning design for the Rainham town sign competition.
A colourful sign designed by a resident will soon be installed in Rainham.
Natasha Springett, from Gillingham, has been crowned the winner of Medway Council’s Rainham town sign competition.
Residents were invited to celebrate their town by submitting designs for the new sign in this Platinum Jubilee year.
Natasha is a mechanical engineer and is also a leader with the 2nd Parkwood Brownies. Young members of the group also submitted designs for the sign as part of their jubilee activities.
The new sign is due to be installed outside NatWest, opposite the shopping centre, later this year and residents are able to see all the entries at an exhibition at Rainham Library in Birling Avenue from Monday, 12th September until Saturday, 29th October.
Cllr Phil Filmer, Medway Council’s Portfolio Holder for Frontline Services, said:
“I would like to say congratulations to Natasha for her great design. We received some fantastic entries and the new sign is a great way to mark the Platinum Jubilee in Rainham and welcome residents to the town for years to come. I look forward to seeing the sign once it has been installed.”
Medway Council’s Portfolio Holder for Education and Schools, and Child-Friendly Medway Champion, Cllr Martin Potter, said:
“I am delighted that many young people entered our Rainham town sign competition and I would encourage residents to go and look at the fantastic designs in Rainham library. As a member of the judging panel, we had a hard task choosing between entries, but Natasha’s design was a worthy winner and all the entries highlight the creative talent amongst our community.”
Natasha said:
“As a Brownie leader, I created my sign with the Brownies because I thought they’d enjoy it too. Then my fiancé jokingly said you’ll probably win, but I didn’t believe him as I’ve only ever won design competitions at school, never as an adult. I am super proud of myself and glad I entered. Maybe one day my future great grandchildren will see the sign and know their great nan designed it. How awesome is that?”
The judging panel included local community members and council representatives including the Mayor of Medway Cllr Jan Aldous, local businessman and former High Sheriff of Kent, John Weir JP and founder of the Rainham Bereavement Group and winner of The Queen’s Award for voluntary service, Julie Sharp.
Medway Council
Medway Council has confirmed its plans to re-evaluate sites as part of its Local Plan.
Local authorities are required by the government to set a Local Plan to identify how an area could evolve and provide enough homes, jobs and infrastructure for a growing population.
In April 2022, central government increased Medway's housing target from 26,962 to developing 28,475 new homes by 2040. The new Local Plan must detail how the government target will be reached.
Medway Council’s Cabinet is anticipated to meet on Tuesday, 18th October to discuss preparing consultation papers for a key stage of the Local Plan process which provides for more options - Reg 18. If agreed, Medway Council will be able to look at new sites which could be suitable for housing. The council would conduct a ‘call for sites’ giving landowners opportunities to come forward with sites which may be sustainable for future housing.
The Reg 18 process would give residents and stakeholders, as well as councillors, the opportunity to review and feedback on proposed development sites once again.
The Local Plan process involves a number of different stages which are set out in legislation, including consultations at various stages of the process to provide residents and stakeholders the opportunity to have their say before a draft Local Plan is put together.
If councillors approve the plans to go to the Reg 18 stage, a public consultation could be held in summer 2023. The responses would then be taken into account to draft a new Local Plan. A further consultation would then be held on the draft Local Plan - known as Reg 19 - before it is submitted to the Planning Inspector for independent examination.
The Local Plan is not just about providing new housing, it also considers ensuring sustainable growth, employment opportunities, maintaining parks and historic sites, and providing community services and facilities for people to enjoy. Councils need to achieve all of this while also protecting and enhancing the natural, built and historic environment.
When adopted, Local Plans are legally required to cover how areas are due to be developed over a 15-year period, extending the timeline for Medway’s local plan from 2037 to 2040.
Medway Council
Specialist teams will offer advice and eco goodies at Medway Council’s Community Showcase Event at Rainham Shopping Centre between 11:00am and 3:00pm on Thursday the 4th of August.
Stock up on Medway recycling bags, talk to Medway Task Force about seasonal personal safety, chat to Climate Change Champions about sustainability and check out the FREE dog microchipping service.
Medway Council
