A controversial development in the centre of Chatham is being recommended for approval despite significant concerns.

Arpenteur Nightingale submitted proposals to build 319 flats and commercial space on the site of Go Outdoors in The Brook.

But there will be no affordable housing, prompting a backlash from locals who argue the development is “non-compliant” with planning policies.

Approval has been sought for 133 one-bedroom flats, 175 two-bedroom flats, five with three bedrooms, and six studio flats.

The homes would be spread across five blocks ranging from six to eight storeys.

Only five car parking spaces will be provided in total, which will be set aside for the three-bedroom flats.

Of the 319 flats, none will be marketed as affordable housing after a viability study showed that would be “undeliverable.”

Instead the developer will contribute just £610,000 in Section 106 funding towards local green spaces, bird mitigation measures, and public realm improvements in Chatham town centre.

More than a dozen objections and a petition have been lodged against the proposals, with Arches Chatham Neighbourhood Forum (ACNF) arguing that “Chatham deserves better” than an “inappropriate” development.

The forum, set up by residents and businesses, created the first Neighbourhood Plan in urban Kent last year, which sets out planning policies on housing, transport and the environment.

Both the developer and Medway Council have been called out by the forum for “disregarding” its policies.

They are concerned about the lack of affordable housing, the design and height of the proposed buildings, access to outdoor spaces, and parking.

The Neighbourhood Plan sets a requirement of 10% affordable housing in the development, or via a financial contribution as a last resort if viability issues arise.

On building heights, the plan allows up to six storeys on the site, which is exceeded by the proposed maximum of eight storeys.

A parking survey to assess whether local streets can cope with increased parking demand of new residents is also required – but the developer has failed to provide this.

A spokesperson for ACNF told Future Medway: “We’re very disappointed these proposals have been recommended for approval, despite clear non-compliance with our Neighbourhood Plan.

“It’s the largest housing scheme coming forward in the centre of Chatham, yet our community is faced with another poor development that falls short of policy requirements.

“This brings into question the basic purpose of planning policy, like the council’s emerging Local Plan, if it will be disregarded so easily.

“After a decade of disappointment, Chatham deserves better.”

A decision on the proposals will be made by the council’s Planning Committee on Wednesday, 4 June.

The Go Outdoors building has sat empty since the retailer closed the shop in 2020 after only four years.

It was previously occupied by Tesco from 1982 until it shut in 2015.

Arpenteur Nightingale bought the site on a long lease for £3.75 million in 2023, and they are currently demolishing the buildings under a separate planning permission.

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