Plans for a 158-home development on the site of a family-run car dealership in Chatham High Street have been amended. The proposals put forward by Option Two Development Ltd involves the demolition of the existing Grays of Chatham site to make way for four blocks of up to ten storeys. A total of 158 homes are earmarked, which would include one and two-bedroom flats, as well as ground floor commercial space for shops, cafés, restaurants or a gym. The development also includes a new river walk along the River Medway, accessed from the High Street, as well as a 'plaza' and amphitheatre, which the developer suggests could be used for performances and events. The plans propose 45 car parking spaces - five of these having electric vehicle charging points - and 184 cycle parking spaces. Option Two initially submitted the planning application in February this year. Family-run car dealership Grays of Chatham has been trading in the High Street for more than 80 years, selling thousands of bicycles, motorbikes, vans and cars. The firm was founded by Don Gray in 1938, initially selling bicycles across the road at 16 High Street. He was later joined by his brother Norman and the business quickly expanded to include the sales of motorcycles, three wheelers and cars, both new and used. Don left the business in the late 1960s to pursue other interests, while Norman was joined by his sons Herbert and Donald. The dealership continued to grow, opening further garages in Maidstone, Sittingbourne and Gillingham, as well as petrol stations in Medway, Sittingbourne and Cobham. Today the business continues to be run by the family, now in its third generation, with Donald's son, Peter, joining the firm in 2011.
It currently remains unknown if Grays of Chatham will relocate to a different site within Medway. A decision by Medway Council to approve or refuse planning permission is expected by 14 September this year. To view or comment on the planning application, visit Medway Council's planning portal by clicking here.
Steve Byers
30/6/2022 11:26:04
Why do they have to be so many floors on the proposed buildings? Have you not learned about the social problems of such places from the 60’s Why not just have 3 or 4 floors? In a design that complements the existing high street.
Mike Billingham
3/7/2022 13:47:54
How can you build so many homes with so few parking spaces. Are you going to tell purchasers/tenants they are not allowed to own a car. WAKE UP, there is no space anywhere for more cars.
Lord Duncan
7/7/2022 02:33:28
All new buildings must be equipped with100% EV charging points at least with infra structure in place. Comments are closed.
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