Medway council in Kent is marketing the first phase of the 34ha Rochester Riverside site to developers, ending years of delay.

The first phase is made up of 7ha of land for about 550 homes. Overall the key Thames Gateway site has outline planning approval for 2,000 homes, offices, retail and other amenities under a masterplan by architect Edaw.

Regeneration has been delayed by issues of site assembly, site clearance and flood defence. Deals with Berkeley Homes and George Wimpey have been shelved over the past six years.

The council has worked with the DCLG and the South East of England Development Agency to overcome these issues, and more than £80m of public investment has gone into remedying the site.

The council wants homes built on the site to achieve a “very good” rating under the BRE’s EcoHomes environmental measurement system.

It has also devised an environmental Charter covering waste, water, energy efficiency and materials. Developers working on the site will also have to comply with its design guide.

Judith Armitt, the chief executive of the council, is soon to take up the role of chief executive of Thames Gateway.

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