A controversial housing development comprising 44 new homes is underway on land adjacent to the Fenn Bell Conservation Project, located off Ratcliffe Highway in St Mary Hoo, Medway.
Despite these concerns, the application was approved in October 2024 after a heated council meeting that saw public disruptions and threats of police involvement.
A central point of contention has been the location of the construction site entrance. Residents and the Parish Council argue that the current entrance, situated on Ratcliffe Highway, poses safety risks due to traffic volume and visibility issues. They have advocated for relocating the entrance to Grain Road, which they believe would be safer and less disruptive to the local community. The unresolved concerns about the entrance location may continue to fuel local dissatisfaction and calls for further review.
Construction has already commenced, and further planning details, including landscaping and infrastructure provisions, are being addressed under subsequent applications.The development has sparked significant backlash from residents, who feel their concerns have been overlooked. The Parish Council continues to voice opposition, particularly regarding the entrance location and its implications for road safety and community wellbeing.