5,000-home scheme opposed by conservation groups and local UKIP MP Mark Reckless

Mark Reckless UKIP Lodge Hill

The Lodge Hill plans are opposed by local UKIP MP Mark Reckless

A 5,000-home Land Securities development planned for Lodge Hill in Kent has been called in by communities secretary Eric Pickles.

The mixed-use scheme on former Ministry of Defence land, which also includes 50,000 sq m of business and retail space, plus four schools, was given outline planning permission by Medway Council last September.

But the proposed development on the Hoo Peninsula has attracted opposition from residents, conservation groups and local MPs – including recently-elected UKIP member for Rochester and Strood, Mark Reckless.

The site was declared a site of special scientific interest (SSSI) by Natural England in 2013, because of its nightingale population and historic woodland. Land Securities said the area’s 84 pairs of nightingales would be re-located nearby.

A statement from the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) said: “Following a significant number of requests from local residents, Natural England, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and local MPs, ministers have confirmed that they will decide on this planning application.

“This power is used only in exceptional circumstances – a fraction of 1% of all planning cases – including where they are of ‘more than national significance’.”

The DCLG said ministers will be considering the conformity of the application with national planning policy in terms of:

  • Ensuring the vitality of town centres;
  • Providing a wide choice of quality homes;
  • Promoting healthy communities; and
  • Conserving and enhancing the natural environment.

A public inquiry will be held and the community secretary’s decision will be made after publication of the planning inspector’s report.

Reckless said: “The country’s whole system for protecting the environment will be undermined if building is allowed in this SSSI that is home to the UK’s largest nightingale colony.”

Stephen Trotter, director of the Wildlife Trust, said: “The plans will result in mass destruction of habitat and wildlife that cannot be replaced. Medway Council and the Ministry of Defence have a national responsibility to look after Lodge Hill and Chattenden Woods for the benefit of our own and future generations.”

But Robin Cooper, Medway Council’s director for regeneration, community and culture, said: “This is one of the key regeneration projects in Medway that will shape the future of the area. It will bring almost 5,000 jobs and affordable housing will account for one in four of the new homes.”

Tom Venner, development director for Land Securities, said: “Lodge Hill will be a truly sustainable development. We have worked hard over several years to create a masterplan which addresses all potential impacts associated with the regeneration plans and we are grateful for the constructive involvement of council officers, local residents and other important stakeholder groups.”

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