Uncertainty surrounds the future of a village sports field at the heart of a controversial housing development after its owners announced they are selling up.
Following a lengthy planning battle, Trenport Investments received outline planning permission to build on either side of Church Street, in Cliffe – including on the APCM Recreation Ground.
Villagers now fear for the future of the site as it goes up for sale
The development was approved by the Planning Inspectorate in May 2023 and would see 250 homes erected, as well as a mixed-use community hub with open space and community facilities, including a replacement sports ground and pavilion.
However, a notice has been displayed at the site since December 18 stating Trenport is now planning to sell the land causing uncertainty over its future.
Residents successfully campaigned for the APCM to be listed as an asset of community value in 2022 meaning they now have the opportunity to buy it before it is put on the market.
The notice reads: “Any community interest group may now make a written request to be treated as a bidder for the land.
“Such requests must be made before the end of the interim moratorium period, which expires on January 30, 2025.
The APCM will be lost if the housing development goes ahead
“If any community interest group makes a written request then a full moratorium period will apply, expiring on June 18, 2025.
“During the moratorium periods, the owner may not dispose of the land other than to a community interest group.
“If no sale to a community interest group is agreed during the applicable moratorium period, then the owner will be free to sell the property on the open market during a protected period expiring on June 18, 2026.”
Julie Rousell, who was formerly the captain of Cliffe Bowls Club, which neighbours the APCM, was surprised to see the notice as she said the developers had only recently been in contact with her.
As part of the planning application, the bowling green would be kept and new parking provided for members, however, Julie fears this could change if someone else was to take the land on.
Julie Rousell says the future of the land is uncertain. Picture: Julie Rousell
She added: “We do not know where we stand. We are in a really precarious position at the moment.
“We are concerned about what will happen if it is going to go for sale and Cliffe cannot raise the money to buy the land.
“It is a very, very short moratorium period but in a good way, we will know our fate sooner or later.
“Hopefully we will be able to stay where we are and Medway Council will buy it and it will not be developed on.
“Trenport has put so much money into it, it makes you question why they are pulling out. Will another developer take it on or will the council?
The masterplan for how the housing development would look. Picture: Trenport Investments
“I do not know how good it is for us. The fact they have pulled out makes me optimistic someone else might not want to take it on.”
Other residents have said they fear if a new developer was to take on the project the promise of a new sporting facility may not be upheld.
However, the ward councillor for Strood Rural, Elizabeth Turpin, moved to assure villagers this should not be a concern as the owners would have to reapply for planning permission if they want to change the approved scheme.
The Independent Group councillor added: “It would make a real difference to the community if they could buy it. As a community, they want to see that happen.”
Residents are holding a meeting to discuss the proposed sale on Saturday, January 11, from 10am to 12pm at Cliffe Memorial Hall.
Cllr Elizabeth Turpin has assured residents any changes to the approved plans would need to be decided by the council. Picture: Medway Council
Trenport submitted an outline planning application for the 250-home scheme in February 2022 which received pushback from both villagers and Medway Council.
To see more planning applications and other public notices for your area, click here.
A campaign was set up to object to the proposals by residents who raised concerns about traffic on the B2000, lack of services such as doctors and schools, and the planned relocation of the recreation ground to Buttway Lane.
Members of Medway Council’s planning committee then unanimously refused the scheme in October 2022 as it was deemed it would harm the character of the historic village.
They were also concerned about plans to relocate the APCM to Buttway Lane, at the northern end of the village, and how car-dependent the development would be due to the inadequacy of local bus services.
Residents previously protested over the plans
Despite the decision, Trenport submitted an appeal to the Planning Inspectorate, the government’s planning inspector, and a public inquiry was held in May 2023 where the scheme was given the green light.
In their report, inspectors concluded it would bring “a number of benefits” including the provision of affordable housing, improved sports and community facilities and a “substantial area” of open space.
KentOnline has attempted to contact Trenport for comment.