Heathlands Garden Settlement SPD

Comment

Representation ID: 680

Received: 12/12/2025

Respondent: Network Rail

Thank you for consulting Network Rail on the draft SPD for the Heathlands Garden settlement which is allocated as a strategic site within the adopted Maidstone Local Plan Review 2021 – 2038 . The allocation includes the provision of a new railway station, which is subject to separate discussions with Network Rail (NR) and for which this response does not cover. Having reviewed the draft SPD, NR has the following comments:

As noted within ‘Transport and Connectivity’ at para 3.2.14 the Garden Settlement (GS) is located along the railway line and between Lenham and Charing rail stations, which are both operational stations serving communities on the London Victoria to Ashford International line.

NR supports the promotion of a sustainable and well connected settlement, which prioritises pedestrians, cyclists and public transport. In relation to the Access and Movement Framework, at para 5.3.5, NR consider that should Heathlands Rail Station come forward, it should be the main connection point within the GS around which all other connections should be focussed. This would enable the safest and most efficient means of getting rail users to the station. Its is noted that Figure 11 includes indicative locations for the railway station and the mobility hubs within the GS. These locations are subject to further discussion to maximise opportunities to connect the GS. It is also noted that there are locations for two new all modal footbridge over the railway. Once again, these locations are indicative and subject to further discussion. New connections over the railway should facilitate the closure of level crossings which would significantly improve safety on the railway and we would encourage the Council to support this approach. There are two footpath crossings (Acton and Lenham) where this should be investigated further.

In Transport and Movement, NR notes para g which reflects the adopted Local Plan Policy for the delivery of the railway station in phase 1. The use of mobility hubs as included within para e, is supported and the locations and connections of these are subject to further discussions to maximise the effectiveness of the hubs.

Comment noted.

Comment

Representation ID: 681

Received: 12/12/2025

Respondent: Network Rail

In the Land Use Framework, NR note the proposal for mixed use within the District Centre around the proposed railway station. A mix of uses is supported and consider that, where appropriate, the dominant use would be residential.

In the Minerals section, the GS should consider how the rail network could support existing and proposed quarrying operations to move workings from the site and support its development and restoration.

Comment noted.
The SPD takes forward the requirements of Policy LPRSP4(A) of the Local Plan Review which did not define the need for rail based transportation of minerals, albeit landowners and developers can consider such matters and in light of wider policies set out in the Kent Minerals & Waste Plan in relation to the potential sustainable transport of minerals.

Comment

Representation ID: 682

Received: 12/12/2025

Respondent: Network Rail

In Placemaking, Density and Character NR supports the proposed higher densities in the District Centre and near to the proposed railway station at para 6.6.5. To support sustainable development, these densities should be maximised to align with the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).

Comment (support) noted.
The SPD sets out that different densities are appropriate for different parts of the site, with locations with high accessibility and access to local services being most suitable for higher density.

Comment

Representation ID: 683

Received: 12/12/2025

Respondent: Network Rail

In Developer Contributions and Funding, NR supports the proposal to extract higher contributions as set out in para 9.2.1, which could also be spent within Charing and Lenham. This flexibility will aid infrastructure delivery where it is required. As an infrastructure provider, NR will need to be involved in discussions around delivering rail-related infrastructure and for which developer contributions will be required. NR will also need to be involved in any phasing and triggers for delivery of both development and infrastructure. NR will also need to be involved in the planning process as a result to ensure that the GS can be delivered effectively.

NR notes the proposed Long Term Stewardship and that the GS will need to be self-sustaining. NR agrees with this approach and the principle of approach should guide any infrastructure delivery at the GS, including the railway station.

Comment noted.
Chapter 9.3 of the SPD sets out guidance around pre-application working including the need to engage with all key stakeholders to inform the preparation of planning applications and all related work on infrastructure.

Comment

Representation ID: 684

Received: 12/12/2025

Respondent: Network Rail

NR notes the content of Appendix B, especially regarding Public Transport and Active Travel. NR will remain engaged with the Council as and when proposal emerge to determine how best to capture developer contributions and how these should be spent in respect of the rail network and related improvements.

I trust the above is clear and our comments will be considered. NR remains keen to engage with the Council on both the SPD and the railway station as proposals develop.

Comment noted.