Agenda item

Following a period of public consultation between 28 April and 6 June 2014, the draft revised Development Brief and Masterplan for Rochester Riverside along with a draft summary of representations is submitted. The committee’s comments are sought on the revised draft documents. It is proposed that the final Development Brief and Masterplan will be adopted as a Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) to the Local Plan.

Note: The draft revised Development Brief and Masterplan for Rochester Riverside along with the draft summary of representations have been produced as a supplementary agenda.

Discussion:

The Committee was informed that the draft revised Development Brief and Masterplan for Rochester Riverside had been the subject of public consultation between 28 April – 6 June 2014.

A copy of the Development Brief and Masterplan had been produced as a Supplementary Agenda and formed Appendices 1 and 2 to the report. A draft summary of representations received following the consultation period was also submitted as Appendix 3.

It was noted that the Development Brief and Masterplan would be submitted to Cabinet on 5 August 2014 for adoption as a Supplementary Planning Document (SPD).

Arising from discussions, the following issues were highlighted:

• A member requested that if Castle View Estate is to remain part of the development site, it not be made a through road.
• It was noted that Section 106 contributions would include provision of a new school and Officers were also in discussion with colleagues in the Children’s and Adults Directorate regarding the requirements for school places in Strood and Rochester.
• It was proposed that parking provision would have regard to the Interim Parking Standards and the fact that this site is in an urban location and sited in close proximity to the new Rochester Railway Station;
• Following an analysis of the local road network and, in view of the recent improvements to Corporation Street in Rochester, it was considered that the existing roads would be capable of taking additional traffic generated by the development.
• Provision for secure bicycle storage would be available at Rochester Railway Station and elsewhere within the development.
• Consideration had been given to the inclusion of commercial development within the site and it was possible that a Waterside Public House could form part of the development along with some modest commercial development located near the Railway Station.
• The development would include provision for a communal squares and event areas having regard to the fact that this site is a riverside development.
• The wish for provision for a pier/vessel moorings was noted but this would have to be considered on practical grounds having regard to the fact that the River Medway is a tidal river.
• It was proposed that there would be about 1400 homes provided within the development. This figure was less than originally referred to in previous reports as the number of flats had been reduced and the number of houses increased.
• It was confirmed that land disposal arrangements were in place.
• It was confirmed that the Masterplan would require 25% affordable housing.
• It was proposed that 250 car parking spaces would be provided at Rochester Railway Station at ground level, however, the car park would be built in such way that a further floor could be provided if this was required at a future date.

Decision:

a)                 The Committee welcomed the vision for a high quality development at Rochester Riverside and noted that the revised Development Brief and Masterplan for Rochester Riverside and the results of the consultation and comments will be considered as part of the review period and incorporated into the development work for the final version of the Brief.

b)                 This Committees comments be submitted as follows:

·        Officers be requested to investigate provision of an open air entertainment area within the area;

·        Officers investigate the provision of mooring facilities for visiting small craft;

·        It be noted that Officers have confirmed that a good level of secure cycle parking provision will be provided within the development;

·        The level of parking provision within the development should conform to the Council’s Interim Parking Standards;

·        The proposed development should include provision of a primary school on site; and

·        Castle View Estate not be made a through road within the development.