The site is well located close to local amenities, with direct links to the Great Lines Heritage Park and the shopping area in Chatham town centre. The site benefits from strong access to public transport and the strategic road network, making this a great location for sustainable growth. The majority of pedestrian movement is focused within the town centre, on Chatham’s main high street, and the streets connected to this. The site benefits from being close to the High Street and its surrounding pedestrianised routes.

The proposals optimise an active travel first approach, with dedicated cycle parking throughout the site, as well as excellent pedestrian links to local public transport. However, the proposals for the site include the retention and reinstatement of the existing multi-storey car park. Whilst it is anticipated that, given the central nature of the site with excellent sustainable transport links, the majority of residents will utilise the local network, provision will also be made within the multi-storey car park for future residents to rent a space.

It is anticipated that the number of trips, including vehicle movements will be reduced compared with a full commercial use given the previous uses for large-scale retail, including the former Tesco superstore, coupled with the excellent transport links. The assessment of the trip generation associated with the existing and proposed uses of the site is currently ongoing.

Full details of the impact and likely traffic movements as a result of the proposals will be detailed in a Transport Assessment, which will be submitted alongside the planning application. In addition, a Travel Plan will be implemented as part of the development, which will include a number of measures to promote and encourage sustainable travel by future residents.