New flats at Arethusa Venture Centre Upnor Road Upnor, Rochester

“The Principal Planner outlined the application in detail for demolition of existing buildings and construction of two new buildings to provide 31 apartments (Use Class C3) including landscaping, parking, access and associated infrastructure.”

“He was speaking on behalf of local residents and his fellow Ward Councillor, Councillor Mrs Turpin, and although he supported the principle of developing the brownfield site he objected to the proposed scheme in its current form. • Concern was expressed that the development represented an overdevelopment and was out of keeping with the character of Upnor due to its scale, density, height and impact on local infrastructure.”

“While supporting brownfield regeneration in principle, he urged the Committee to refuse the application in its current form and encourage the submission of a revised scheme that would better respect the character of Upnor.”

“This record is available on our website – www.medway.gov.uk Members considered the viability assessment, which identified a scheme for the provision of on-site affordable housing would not be viable but one with no on-site affordable housing and £265,000 would be viable.”

“The Service Manager – Development Management advised that the independent viability assessor had not recommended a clawback clause, indicating that due to the number of units there was unlikely to be sufficient uplift in future development values to alter the viability position. It was also noted due to the homes being contained in two block a late stage clawback could affect the applicant’s ability to secure funding for the development.”

“In response to a question regarding the SAMMS contribution, the Service Manager – Development Management confirmed that Natural England had raised no objection to the proposal, subject to the completion of an appropriate assessment and the securing of the required bird mitigation contribution.”

“Following questions regarding the height of the development, the Service Manager – Development Management advised that the Council’s Conservation Officer reviewed the proposal and was satisfied that the building design and approach were appropriate in the context of the site and surrounding area with regard to the numerous nearby Heritage Assets.”