Thames Gateway Interim Plan Development Prospectus - EUKN

Improving Quality of Life: Environmental and Community Infrastructure
B3.10 Mainly a rural setting, the area benefits from attractive marshland and coastline
on the Isle of Sheppey, as well as a range of Areas of Outstanding Natural
Beauty (AONB) and Sites of Specific Scientific Interest (SSSI) throughout the
borough. Improving access and delivering the Green Grid are part of Swale’s
overall regeneration plans. Town centre public realm improvements will also be
put in place as new development is delivered. In addition, Swale’s ‘Flying Start’
project celebrating Sheppey’s aviation heritage takes advantage of this natural
setting and combines it with local heritage to promote tourism on the Island.
Swale’s surrounding natural setting
Transport
B3.11 The Iwade to Queenborough A249 improvements scheme and the new Sheppey
Crossing have improved transport links between Sittingbourne and Sheppey.
Essential infrastructure in progress includes the Sittingbourne Northern Relief Road
and the Rushenden Link Road; both are funded and when complete will enable
new development. In the longer term, Swale proposes that M2 improvements to
Junction 5 and connecting the A2 and M2 via a new junction are required to
consolidate existing development and accommodate further growth.
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THAMES GATEWAY DEVELOPMENT PROSPECTUS