Community Divided as Medway Council Weighs Controversial Gibraltar Farm Development Decision

As the Medway Council prepares to make a significant decision regarding the controversial development of Gibraltar Farm in Hempstead, tensions are rising among local residents and stakeholders. The application, which seeks to transform nearly 30 hectares of farmland into a residential area featuring 450 homes, a children's nursery, and a retail unit, stands at the crossroads of community needs and developmental aspirations. The proposal, submitted by developer F.D. Attwood & Partners, has been met with overwhelming opposition. Nearly 800 letters from concerned residents have flooded the council, expressing fears about the potential loss of green space and the impact on local infrastructure. This substantial outpouring of dissent has come from various corners, including environmental organizations like the Woodland Trust and sports advocacy groups such as Sport England, alongside vocal criticism from prominent local politicians such as former MPs Rehman Chishti and Dame Tracey Crouch, as well as current MP for Faversham and Mid Kent, Helen Whately. Despite the fervent opposition, council officers have recommended that outline planning permission be granted. Their rationale hinges on the perceived benefits of the development, particularly the promise of affordable housing and job creation. The plans stipulate that 25% of the new homes will be designated as affordable, a crucial factor in addressing the region's housing crisis. Additionally, the developer must contribute £5.6 million towards local infrastructure, which is earmarked for essential services like education, waste collection, and enhancements to the nearby town centers of Gillingham and Rainham. The decision-making process has been lengthy, with the original outline planning application being rejected in 2016, then granted on appeal. A subsequent version faced similar scrutiny in 2019, when the planning department raised concerns about its sustainability. This current iteration, submitted in May 2021, reflects ongoing negotiations and adjustments made in response to previous critiques. As the council approaches the decision date on 28 August, the community remains divided. Proponents argue that the economic benefits and housing solutions are vital for the area’s growth and development, while opponents fear that the project will irrevocably alter the character of Hempstead and exacerbate existing pressures on local resources. The outcome of this planning application will not only shape the landscape of north Kent but also set a precedent for future developments in the region. For now, residents watch closely, awaiting the council's determination, with their hopes pinned on preserving the integrity of their community against the tide of urban expansion.