Issue - meetings

This report set out details of the Medway Landscape Character Assessment. A copy of the assessment had been circulated separately to Members.

The assessment was a technical document to support landscape-related planning decisions within Medway’s countryside and urban-rural fringe areas. It provided an evidence base in support of the landscape and countryside policies within the Local Development Framework Draft Core Strategy. It also set out landscape guidance for planning officers, developers and the local community when considering proposed development within the rural and urban-rural fringe areas of Medway.

An extensive consultation process had been undertaken that sought the views of statutory consultees in the planning process and key stakeholders and it was noted that the study had received a high level of support from all parties.

The report proposed that the Director of Regeneration, Community and Culture was delegated authority to make minor amendments to the assessment, as detailed within the Diversity Impact Assessment accompanying the report. During the discussion on this item is was also agreed that the entry for Motney Hill, on pages 94 and 95 of the supplementary agenda, would be reconsidered under this delegated authority; specifically clarifying the designation as a Designated Country Park and the inclusion of wildfowling uses as an issue/problem.

Reasons:

The landscape guidance document will enable better informed planning decisions.