Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Chatham Docks Basin 3 Redevelopment

01 May 2024 · 3 other contributors · 9,290 words

Opened by Kelly Tolhurst Con Rochester and Strood

Responding minister: Lee Rowley

HousingEmploymentEnvironment

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Kelly Tolhurst raised concerns about chatham docks basin 3 redevelopment in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • The proposal to redevelop Chatham docks into a residential-led mixed-use development has raised concerns about sustainability, job quality, environmental impact, and displacement of industries.
  • The dockyard currently supports nearly 20 businesses, directly employing 795 people and indirectly supporting another 1,500 jobs, with a combined turnover of nearly 175 million in 2021.
  • The government is urged to support a local plan that prioritises preserving Chatham docks as a commercial port and endorsing the SPPARC Architecture masterplan for revitalisation.

Key requests to Government

I urge the government to support a local plan that prioritises the preservation of Chatham docks as a commercial port. This includes endorsing the SPPARC Architecture masterplan for revitalisation and ensuring the long-term viability of high-value industries within the basin, which contribute significantly to Medway's economy.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Kelly Tolhurst Con Rochester and Strood

The proposal to redevelop Chatham docks into a residential-led mixed-use development has raised concerns about the sustainability, quality of jobs, environmental impact, and displacement of thriving industries. The dockyard is home to nearly 20 businesses, including ArcelorMittal, Aggregate Industries, and European Active Projects Ltd, which directly employ 795 people and indirectly support another 1,500 jobs, with a combined turnover of nearly £175 million in 2021. The redevelopment plans have shifted focus from the initial promise of job creation to predominantly retail and hospitality sectors, resulting in only around 200 full-time jobs materialising since 2013.

Other contributors (3)
  • Matthew Pennycook Lab Greenwich and Woolwich

    Inquired whether ArcelorMittal is the only tenant in basin 3 that has not agreed to relocate and asked about the lack of updates to the local plan since 2003. Mr. Matthew Pennycook acknowledged the historical significance of Chatham docks but expressed concerns about the lack of strategic planning and insufficient funding for housing development in Medway Council's area, highlighting the need for a more coordinated approach to meet housing targets. Clarified that when Medway submits a draft local plan, it must start with the standard method number and justify any deviation. Criticised the Government's NPPF changes for leading to reduced housing targets in many areas.

  • Neil Coyle Lab Bermondsey and Old Southwark

    Asked Sir Philip Davies about the rules regarding declaring interests at the start of a debate, urging the right hon. Member to make any relevant declarations.

  • Theresa Villiers Con Downeast

    Suggested focusing on respecting the character of surrounding areas when deciding what developments should be built, highlighting the need for larger family homes. Asked the shadow Minister to distance himself from comments that local communities' views would be ignored in determining what gets built at Chatham Docks. One of the important changes in the new NPPF is the affirmation that councils should not be forced to build at densities significantly out of character with surrounding areas. Asked the Minister how this change was operating in practice and its impact on developments such as Chatham Docks Basin 3.

Government Response

Lee Rowley

The Minister of State for Housing outlined the Government's long-term plan for housing, which aims to build more houses in appropriate locations while respecting local characteristics. He highlighted changes to the National Planning Policy Framework made in December 2023 to support sustainable development and noted ongoing discussions with Medway Council regarding timely implementation of planning policies. The Minister criticized Labour's record on delivering housing targets and emphasized the importance of local authorities adhering to the NPPF to ensure balanced development.

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