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Medway's multi-billion-pound regeneration programme has taken a major step forward with the submission of a planning application for Temple Waterfront in Strood.

Lafarge Cement UK, which jointly owns the 69-acre site with Medway Council and timber merchants Morgan and Company, are seeking outline planning permission for up to 620 homes and up to 12,300 sq metres of mixed-use employment and retail floorspace, creating up to 250 jobs.

Proposed community services include shops, community facilities and access to public transport through the site. Access along the site’s half-mile waterfront will be greatly improved through investment in paths and open space management. Wildlife habitats will be protected and enhanced.

~ See an artist's impression of the proposed regeneration site at Temple Waterfront >>>

Morgan Timber will remain on site in improved premises and their business will continue without interruption.

Today’s planning application follows the signing by Lafarge Cement UK and Medway Council of a Planning Performance Agreement (PPA), a new system designed to simplify and speed up large-scale development proposals.

It is a voluntary agreement, drawn up between developer and local authority, formally setting out what is expected from all parties throughout the planning application process.

Leader of Medway Council Cllr Rodney Chambers, said: “This application is another milestone for our 20-year regeneration programme.

“Our ambition is to transform Medway into a successful riverside city through the redevelopment of town centre and waterfront sites along seven miles of the river.”

David Simms, land and planning director at Lafarge Cement, said: “Today’s submission of our planning application, together with the signing of the Planning Performance Agreement, is a huge step forward.

“Temple Waterfront, with its links to the M2 and superb views across the river to Rochester’s castle and cathedral, is one of our most important sites.

"It has massive potential and we’re determined to see that potential realised.”