'Flooding, congestion and air pollution considerations for Morgan Timber site development' - say Medway Liberal Democrats

Temple Waterfront is currently undergoing extensive development, the area that runs from the Medway Valley Park complex to the industrial heart of Strood. Though additional housing and brownfield development is to be welcomed, local Liberal Democrats have a number of concerns regarding the 168 residential development on the former Morgan Timber site. The development will need to take account of the relative isolation of the site in forging new physical, social and cultural connections – it must consider flood risk, traffic congestion and air quality impacts.

We are concerned that the development has no supporting infrastructure and facilities, and is at risk of flooding. The land will need to be raised significantly to be viable. There is a drop in level from the main site to the saltmarsh which forms an inter-tidal habitat to the river.  Although there are existing tidal defences along this length of the River Medway, the defences are reported to offer less protection.

From the north, access from Knight Road is served by the Walnut Tree Bridge beneath the Medway Valley railway line. The area is particularly unwelcoming for pedestrians and cyclists. This access currently provides adequate width and profile for 'one' way vehicle operation, and provides insufficient clearance for double decker bus operations.

The development should give consideration to addressing issues of air quality, the A228 Cuxton Road has already been declared as an Air Quality Management Area (AQMA); part of Strood town centre has also been designated as an AQMA.  We are concerned that the development will add to the area's poor air quality. 

Alan Wells, spokesperson for Medway Liberal Democrats said, " I welcome that a brownfield site is being redeveloped and welcome the need for new homes, but it should be a real concern to all of us that we still do not know – with full confidence – that the new development will be safe from flooding. We want safer homes and better areas to build them in Medway ".

ENDS