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Petition against flats at Medway Bridge Marina in Borstal

A petition against plans for an "eyesore" block of riverside apartments, has more than 450 signatures.

Developers want to build a four-storey building at Medway Bridge Marina in Borstal consisting of 40 apartments with 46 parking spaces.

An aerial view of plans for 40 apartments at Medway Bridge Marina. Picture: Guy Hollaway Architects
An aerial view of plans for 40 apartments at Medway Bridge Marina. Picture: Guy Hollaway Architects

In 2016, councillors rejected plans for 36 flats on the same site - which is currently a caravan store - due to concerns of over development.

The Planning Inspectorate made a decision to allow the resubmission of the plans following a successful appeal by marina boss Giles Billingsley.

It concluded the plans would "not not harm the character and appearance of the area".

Borstal resident Marcus Brown began the change.org petition.

Having moved to Brambletree Crescent, which backs onto the marina, last year, he was shocked to discover the proposals.

An aerial view of plans for 40 apartments at Medway Bridge Marina. Picture: Guy Hollaway Architects
An aerial view of plans for 40 apartments at Medway Bridge Marina. Picture: Guy Hollaway Architects

He was worried some of his neighbours in surrounding roads were not informed of the plans and took it upon himself to start the petition and produce leaflets. He says the process left him "amazed at how many people didn't know".

Among his concerns is the potential impact the development would have on traffic and light blocking his and other properties due to the height of the block.

He said: "It only takes one little thing like the council deciding they are going to do something about the drains and we get traffic going all the way back to Wouldham."

On its appearance, he added: "It looks terrible, it's a complete eyesore and it's not in keeping with the environment.

"It's not going to add anything to either the community, Rochester's housing or Medway's housing issues."

Cllr Stuart Tranter
Cllr Stuart Tranter

He also queried the developer calling it a brownfield site, saying: "These are caravans on wheels; they are just using it as a small caravan store and what's left at the end of it is a greenfield site."

MP Kelly Tolhurst issued a letter to Medway Council objecting to the plans, saying it would adversely impact traffic, schools and the sewage network.

Ward councillor Stuart Tranter (Con) said he was taking time to look into the details of the new application, the appeal notice and the new application in order to determine how to respond.

Cllr Tranter, who is vice chairman of the planning committee, also assured people still have time to leave comments if they have concerns.

Read more: All the latest news from Medway

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