Plans to build a housing estate on a historic military site have been approved recently despite concerns it would not provide enough affordable housing. The development of Kitchener Barracks in Dock Road, Chatham, would create up to 295 homes, while retaining historic features including part of the 1930s Khartoum Building, the Barrack Block, and the former Ordnance Store, which would be used as a shop, restaurant, pub and offices. Medway Council’s planning committee welcomed the design of the scheme, but there was resistance over the lack of affordable housing. While guidelines say new developments should provide 25 per cent affordable housing, the scheme only provides 15 per cent, which officers explained was acceptable due to rules introduced in November 2014 - which say affordable housing requirements only apply to any increase in floor space. The barracks are the second oldest military site in Medway and were sold after being identified as surplus to military requirements. Although some members of the public have welcomed the approval of this development, some have raised concerns and suggested different ways the site could have been used. We have selected some of your comments from the KentOnline post: psiman: "This space should be used to expand Medway hospital not add more people to its already well stretched patient lists. But that wouldn't line the councils pockets with more money from the rent they would get from the houses, so that won't happen will it." Ray: "More large scale housing, but never more infrastructure to deal with the increased population. We don't need more housing in Medway till we have the Water, sewage, hospitals, G.Ps, schools, public transport, and roads to deal with those already living in Medway. All this housing will do is exasperate the appalling situation the above services are in." What do you think of this development at Kitchener Barracks? Are you welcoming the proposals or have you got some concerns about the housing conversion? Drop down your thoughts in the comments area and be sure to vote in the poll below. Comments are closed.
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August 2023
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