Dates have been confirmed for the three consultation events for the Deangate Community Parkland project.

The proposal is to turn the Deangate Ridge Golf Course in Hoo into a 43-hectare green space with picnic areas, paths, and better access to viewpoints across the grasslands, woodlands, and meadows.

The first event at High Halstow Village Hall is between 4pm and 9pm on Tuesday, August 29, giving residents the opportunity to learn about the proposed plans and raise concerns.

The three events are part of the ongoing consultation about the council’s plans for environmental improvements for Medway which began on Friday, August 11, and is open until midnight of Friday, September 22.

The second event will be held at Hoo Sports Centre on September 4, between 3pm and 7pm, and the third consultation event will take place at Deangate Indoor Bowls Club on Thursday, September 14.

Cllr Simon Curry, Medway Council’s portfolio holder for climate change and strategic regeneration said: “We know how important greenspaces are for the health and wellbeing of our residents and I am delighted that we are launching a consultation on our plans to create a new community parkland at Deangate.

“Ecological studies have found that Deangate Ridge is home to a wide range of wildlife including, pipistrelle bats and slow worms, and it is very important that we protect the habitats of these species.

“We are committed to establishing new parks and improving residents’ access to greenspaces. The proposed new parkland would benefit residents of the Hoo Peninsula and across Medway.

“It will provide access to greenspace for people of all ages and abilities, as well as protecting our local wildlife, and I would encourage residents to have their say on these exciting plans.”

Medway Council says the proposal aims to celebrate natural habitats of the area, particularly by increasing awareness of nightingales and the importance of their population, and providing a network of safe and attractive walking, cycling, and dog-walking routes.

The proposed parkland is the site of the former Deangate Ridge Golf Course, which closed in April, 2018, after years of declining membership and increasing losses.

However, the closure faced significant opposition from campaigners who said the golf course could continue to run at no cost to the council.

Since then, the site has been the subject of speculation as to possible uses for the area.

Despite the loss of the £170 million Housing Infrastructure Fund (HIF) from the Department of Levelling Up earlier this year that would have contributed to the project, Medway Council says they are committed to developing environmental projects and will look for other sources of funding.