Representation by Taylor Wimpey (Taylor Wimpey)
- Date submitted
- 24 February 2023
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
This representation has been prepared by Stantec who are working on behalf of Taylor Wimpey (TW) in relation to their proposed development site know as ‘Land West of Hoo’ on the Hoo Peninsula in Medway. The development proposals are for up to 450 residential dwellings, 500sqm of commercial space and 500sqm of community space. This site is part of the Hoo Development Framework (HDF) which has been prepared by Medway Council. The HDF has been prepared to support the new Local Plan and shape development over the next 30 years, with the support of £170 million from the Housing Infrastructure Fund (HIF). The LTC will have a significant impact on M2 Junction 1, with changes proposed to the junction layout as a result of the scheme. The Hoo Development Framework will also have an impact on M2 Junction 1 as it will likely be the main junction used to access the Strategic Highway Network for any Peninsula traffic travelling to or from the west. TW is concerned about the exclusion of the HDF, which their site ‘Land West of Hoo’ is part of, from the Lower Thames Area Model (LTAM). The Hoo Development Framework provides for up to 10,000 homes, employment growth and supporting infrastructure. It is acknowledged that, in accordance with TAG Unit M4, the HDF does not necessarily need to be included in the LTAM Core Scenario due to its current planning status. However, given that the Government (via Homes England) awarded Medway Council circa £170M+ via the HIF in 2019 to “unlock significant growth on the Hoo Peninsula”, it seems perverse that a Government funded major infrastructure project (the LTC) should have failed to have regard to this “known” Government funded project in Medway. Given the anticipated level of direct impacts of the HDF and the LTC will have on M2 Junction 1, it is highly questionable as to why alternative scenarios have not been undertaken to consider the potential traffic impacts. Given the above information, TW question the soundness of the modelling undertaken by National Highways. TW wishes to take part in the Examination process and would like to be included in any future consultations.