Arches Chatham Neighbourhood Forum

A collective of local people shaping a happier, healthier and greener future for Chatham.

[Arches Chatham Neighbourhood Forum @ArchesGroup]

Medway Council is consulting on a proposed Selective Licensing Scheme and Additional HMO Licensing in parts of Medway.

We've written in support of the scheme to help improve the condition of private rented accommodation.

Respond to the consultation here: https://t.co/IYSSeHiFb3

[Arches Chatham Neighbourhood Forum @ArchesGroup]

We support Medway Council's new planning rules on Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs).

An Article 4 Direction has been introduced, requiring all HMO proposals to apply for planning permission.

Read our full letter: https://t.co/fSTuu3SUGK

[Arches Local @ArchesLocal]

We're is rolling out 100 plaques across Chatham, celebrating the people, places and everyday stories that shaped our town.

We're inviting residents and businesses to apply, free of charge, and help uncover Chatham's hidden heritage.

Apply here: https://t.co/AQsUao9bRu

[Arches Chatham Neighbourhood Forum @ArchesGroup]

Greening the grey in Chatham 🌳

[Arches Local @ArchesLocal]

For the first time in its history, Luton Road is now tree-lined!

This winter we planted a further 12 street trees and over 50m² of soft landscaping, taking the total to 20 trees since 2022.

Our corner of Chatham is getting the attention it deserves, with much more still to do.

[Arches Local @ArchesLocal]

In our final mural of 2025, artist Mister Tris depicts Britain's endangered plant, the Man Orchid.

Known for its unusual appearance resembling tiny 'green men', Chatham is one of the very few UK locations where it now grows.

Find out more: https://t.co/WiytYCgRXA

[Arches Local @ArchesLocal]

Completing our tenth mural, artist Jack Lack interprets the arrival of Henry Charles Lawrence in Chatham.

Henry worked in the country's finest gardens and moved from Cambridge in 1868, bringing expert knowledge to set up a plant nursery.

Find out more: https://t.co/1MYCGyFGS2

[Arches Local @ArchesLocal]

In our ninth mural, artist Liam Bononi interprets the story of Luton resident and Shorts Brothers employee, William Mason.

William dreamt of flying his own plane. In 1939 he built a Luton Minor at home, but sadly never took to the skies.

Find out why: https://t.co/2UfurHulil

[Arches Local @ArchesLocal]

In our largest mural to date, artist Ricardo Van Zwol paints the remarkable Luton resident & campaigner, Erica Stuart.

Erica played a vital role in transforming seven acres of derelict allotments into Luton Millennium Green in 2000.

Find out more: https://t.co/euw5wjcMVL

[Arches Local @ArchesLocal]

You may see these dotted around the streets of Luton in the coming weeks as part of our Untold Chatham series.

More information will be coming very soon!

[Medway Council @medway_council]

Medway Local Plan 2041: CONSULTATION CLOSES TOMORROW

The deadline for providing feedback on Medway's draft Local Plan 2041 is 11:59pm this Monday, 11 August.

Visit our consultation page to view how you can take part
👇
https://t.co/MsHU3oh3pw

#MedwayLocalPlan #FutureMedway

[Arches Chatham Neighbourhood Forum @ArchesGroup]

We are disappointed that Medway Council has approved 319 flats on the site of Go Outdoors.

The proposal disregarded several policies of our Neighbourhood Plan, delivering zero affordable homes and excessive heights.

🔗 Read our full statement: https://t.co/shL70qAWyz

[Arches Chatham Neighbourhood Forum @ArchesGroup]

We’re very disappointed these proposals have been recommended for approval, despite clear non-compliance with our Neighbourhood Plan.

As the largest housing scheme coming forward in the town centre, Chatham deserves better.

Read more 👇

[Future Medway @FutureMedway]

🏠 Decision due on 319 flats planned for Go Outdoors site in Chatham with no affordable housing.

ℹ️ Dozens of objections have been lodged as locals argue "Chatham deserves better" than a development "disregarding" planning policies.

🔗 Find out more: https://t.co/0xUMa2lZo2

[Arches Local @ArchesLocal]

Pleased to see our work referenced in HCLG’s evidence session on the Planning & Infrastructure Bill.

Neighbourhood Planning isn’t perfect, but giving communities a seat at the decision-making table is essential to delivering the growth agenda.

https://t.co/PlxixempDn

[Arches Local @ArchesLocal]

💚 Fantastic morning in Luton Road for a spot of gardening!

🌷 Joined by friends and neighbours in the sunshine, we gave our flower baskets and roadside planters a tidy for this week's #GBSpringClean.

[Arches Chatham Neighbourhood Forum @ArchesGroup]

Our March newsletter is out now, featuring:

📣 Objection to 319 homes on Go Outdoors site
🏗️ Update on latest planning applications
🎨 New mural celebrates Chatham resident

Read here: https://t.co/P9kUHdOVNp

[Arches Local @ArchesLocal]

🚲 In our first mural of 2025, artist Hixxy brings to life the remarkable story of Laura Richardson.

👗 Laura is believed to be the first woman to ride a bicycle through the streets of Kent, whose family lived on Victoria Road.

ℹ️ Find out more: https://t.co/sDVct1OUMB

[Future Medway @FutureMedway]

🎈 Today marks the 125th anniversary of Chatham's Brook Theatre, originally built as the Town Hall.

✏️ It was designed by prolific local architect George Edward Bond (1853-1914) and is Grade II-listed.

📍 Today the Brook Theatre is arguably Chatham's most recognisable building.

[Arches Chatham Neighbourhood Forum @ArchesGroup]

We're aware that a planning application for 319 homes on the site of Go Outdoors, Chatham, has been submitted.

We have very serious concerns about the proposals and we're preparing a representation. This will be shared publicly soon.

See the plans: https://t.co/pT9fCUnDx6

[Arches Local @ArchesLocal]

📏 Our final mural of the year saw artist Luke Smile take inspiration from the story of George Bond - 'the most expert architect that this part of Kent has known'.

ℹ️ Read the full story: https://t.co/ucURVgvuqf

👀 More murals to come in 2025!

[Arches Chatham Neighbourhood Forum @ArchesGroup]

Our November newsletter is out now, featuring:

⛲ 125-year-old Driver Fountain returns to Luton
🏗️ Latest planning applications in our neighbourhood
🌳 Luton Arches trees saved from felling

Read the full edition: https://t.co/hhHKXBHcnf