Land between West Street, Bath Street, Royal Pier Road and Queen ...

The WQ buildings now have greater separation from St George’s Church and will provide it witha more respectful space to be seen and appreciated, particularly W03 that also steps back atupper levels and utilises a colonnade treatment at ground floor level that will provide a morecomfortable relationship. Furthermore, the changes in massing and design of the WQ buildingsbetter protect views of the Church spire including in views from the River Thames wherevisibility is not diminished for virtually the whole panorama as one passes the Town. It is alsocommented the proposed scheme will visually and functionally reconnect the Church at theheart of the Town with the River.Landscaping proposals have been greatly improved and the principle of a consistent languageof materials and furnishings through the two quarters that are modern but have resonance withthe traditional materials of the Town is appropriate. However, it is suggested that where historicsurfaces and street furniture exist that they are retained and enhanced if possible, such asextending the setted surface of the alleys linking to High Street.KCC ArchaeologyWhilst the carrying out of pre-determination field evaluation has been encouraged, it has beenaccepted that archaeological issues can be suitably addressed through a planning conditionthat would require adequate investigation prior to any works on site commencing.Environment AgencyNo objection to the proposal subject to imposition of planning conditions relating to flood riskand surface water drainage, contamination and protection of groundwater. They do offercomment however to confirm that the raised levels of residential accommodation providesuitable protection from possible flooding and that the sustainable drainage solution willimprove the cleanness of discharged water.Natural EnglandSatisfied that the proposal will not have an adverse impact upon the South Thames Estuaryand Marshes SSSI. Natural England direct the LPA to adopted national standing advice forassessing potential impacts on protected species such as bats, barn owls and breeding birds.KCC Communities, Education and Adult Social ServicesOn behalf of KCC, Mouchel have assessed the implications of the additional residentpopulation anticipated through the development on its community services and requestfinancial contributions towards education, local libraries, youth facilities, community learningand adult social services – amounting to approximately £450,000.Kent PoliceProvide detailed comments regarding measures for designing out potential crime and antisocialbehaviour problems, including recommending the develop achieves Secured by Designstandards, ensuring that access to private areas is adequately controlled, putting in placeappropriate management processes, ensuring appropriate lighting schemes for all spaces andfor counter-terrorist purposes avoiding access by vehicles to public spaces.Having reviewed the implications of this proposal on its infrastructure Kent Police hasdetermined that, in order to maintain effective and efficient policing services to Gravesham,additional infrastructure will be required. To offset the impacts of the proposed developmentthey request a financial contribution towards provision of additional police officers, staffaccommodation and custody space - amounting to approximately £140,000.