Concerns have been raised about plans to change a "stunningly beautiful" town centre green space.

Medway Council wants to develop The Paddock – or Paddock Island – between Chatham Waterfront bus station and the Pentagon shopping centre.

Bryan Fowler explains his concerns

The survey into its proposals, which revolve around creating pathways, planting trees, and installing a water feature, closed on Friday last week.

The funding will come from the government's Future High Streets Fund.

The consultation asked what kind of planting people like to see, adding: "Two large areas of lawns will be retained for people to sit out and enjoy and new planted areas will provide colour, texture, all year round interest and attract wildlife to the area.

"The overall design approach will create a series of ‘outdoor rooms’. This will create a mosaic of spaces that can cater to a range of uses, including a range of different types of landscapes."

A new path along The Brook would be created and the changes would create a clear route along Military Road leading to the Brook Theatre, creating a "continuity from the town centre to Railway Street".

Bryan Fowler was among those who put pressure on the council to retain the Paddock more than 10 years ago when plans were put in to move the bus station from the Pentagon building.

The Kitchener Barracks' resident said: "They actually wanted to relocate it on this very site.

"They wanted to cut down all the trees in The Paddock and put the bus station here but fortunately, because of the campaign by local people, including me, we managed to persuade the planning committee to reject that.

"Our big fear was that The Paddock would one day be used for building or something like that.

"It's very pleasant. It's used as a meeting point for young people, people come and sit here, walk their children through it and use it as an access point to the river.

"Because it's been around and designated as a garden of interest it should stay. It's an essential part of Chatham.

"It's a rolling grass lawn and I really like old trees here. If you come to this place in April or May it is stunningly beautiful.

"I just think they just want to turn this area into a patio for the new flats."

He now has concerns about the fresh proposals, arguing the survey period, which began on December 20, was "rushed" and took place over the festive period when people may have been too busy.

The council and its development-arm Medway Development Company (MDC) confirmed the works would be carried out using "permitted development" which means there is no statutory requirement for a public consultation.

Permitted Development Rights allow certain building works and changes of use to be carried out without having to make a planning application.

It also said design boards were displayed in the Pentagon and the survey was promoted on social media.

Five trees will be replaced because these were identified as having a limited life expectancy.

The council's head of regeneration delivery at Medway Council, said: “We are committed to transforming The Paddock into a vibrant public space for residents and visitors to enjoy.

"The improvements are designed to celebrate the area’s heritage and make the area more accessible, and easier to get around, for residents and visitors.”