Chattenden Barracks subject of scoping opinion request for 500 homes

A government agency looking to build up to 500 homes on a former military base has submitted a request for a scoping opinion.

Homes England have requested an assessment of the Chattenden Barracks, part of the larger area known as Lodge Hill.

A screening opinion, a precursor to a full planning application, is where a potential applicant asks the council what information will be required to provide for the environmental impact assessment (EIA).

The 25.3 hectares of land to the north-west of Chattenden is adjacent to the Chattenden Woods and Lodge Hill site of special scientific interest (SSSI), which was designated in 2013.

The area was made an SSSI because of nightingale populations in the woodlands and their protection has prevented developments nearby because of the risk they pose to the habitat.

The Ministry of Defence sold the wider Lodge Hill site, including the Chattenden Barracks, to Homes England, the government’s housing and regeneration agency, in 2016 after withdrawing plans which were approved by Medway Council for 5000 homes.

Now Homes England have asked for the scoping opinion for up to 500 homes on the Chattenden Barracks section of the wider area.

The opinion is also to consider the impacts of a small scale retail floor space – though size is not yet confirmed – vehicle access points from Kitchener Road and Chattenden Lane and other associated infrastructure.

Noise and air pollution, the impact on the landscape and historic features in the area, as well as the effect on biodiversity and habitats are all elements to be considered in the eventual EIA.

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Additionally to be considered are the social and economic impacts on nearby residents, including the effect on schools and GP services as well as the opportunity for employment during construction.

The current application for a scoping opinion does not contain specific details of the sizes of the possible homes, or their layout, but merely asks what considerations need to be made for a development on the site up to 500 homes.

If approved, Homes England would have to complete a full EIA as part of their application for any development on the site.

The application is currently being considered by Medway Council planning officers.