Self-build homes at Land Adjacent Kingsnorth, High Halstow, Rochester

“The Service Manager - Development Management discussed the outline application with all matters reserved for the construction of two 5no. bedroom two storey self-built dwellings with off road parking and landscaping.”

“The Service Manager – Development Management outlined the planning history of this site. Members were advised that a previous planning application for the construction of 2 self-build dwellings had been approved by the Planning Committee in September 2025. Subsequently, a revised application was submitted seeking to remove the self-build element and, therefore, was brought back to the Planning Committee, where planning permission was refused.”

“The Service Manager – Development Management explained that the current planning application was a re-submission of MC/25/0484 for the construction of 2 self-build dwellings.”

“With the agreement of the Committee, the Chief Planning Officer read out Councillor Crozer’s statement as Ward Councillor and raised the following concerns:”

“This record is available on our website – www.medway.gov.uk rural setting and would introduce a harsh urbanising effect on what was currently a verdant and open location. • Due to the isolated location, future occupants would be reliant on private vehicles, rendering the proposal an unsustainable form of development. • The applicant completely ignored the mandatory requirement for biodiversity.”

“The Committee discussed the planning application in detail, taking into account the concerns raised by the Ward Councillor and noting the demand for self- build opportunities, as evidenced by the significant number of individuals registered on the self-build waiting list.”

“The Service Manager – Development Management clarified that as the proposal constituted a self-build development, it was exempt from the mandatory requirement to deliver 10% Biodiversity Net Gain. He further advised that the required bird mitigation costs would form part of the approval process, should planning permission be granted.”