Patman’s Wharf to become housing development

A planning application has been submitted to build houses and flats on the site of Patman’s Wharf at Upnor. Comments may be submitted on Medway Council’s planning portal ref MC/19/2361

Should you wish to object here are some of the issues that can be raised for starters:

  1. Loss of increasingly scarce recreational amenity, namely affordable boat storage and maintenance, especially for the neighbouring sailing club and other local boaters.

2. The size and mass of the 3-storey terraced houses sited directly against the river front is totally unacceptable and a detriment to the area. The reference to the 3-storey estate under the heading SCALE is not relevant as the estate is not on the river front!

3. There is a need for Affordable Housing contribution. These residential units are aimed at middle and upper income earners.

4. Contrary to the statement that the air quality will not change, the proposal suggests 17 cars on the site, without counting any visitors.

5. Two cars per unit, one behind the other, is an impractical solution. No doubt cars will be parked all over the site and in the adjacent roads, adding to the existing highways problem locally. A Highways Statement is required for the reason of the already congested traffic flows and parking within the local area.

6. Under Lighting, the suggestion that a statement is not required is concerning as there are no controls proposed over the future lighting. Without doubt the future owners will add to the exterior lighting to the balconies and gardens. Enforceable controls need to be in place to ensure that this does not happen. Light pollution is a local problem and this development will only add to that.

7. Within the Design and Access Statement the Agent suggests that there is not a demand for a boat storage and maintenance yard. In support it refers to recent years when the business has been  failing. The current operation has been allowed to fail simply to justify this proposed development. The boatyard is a valuable asset for Medway boaters and with new management could once again be a thriving enterprise to the benefit of the local river community. 

Reminder: MSBA meeting tonight, 24 Sept at HNYC

Please make sure your club, group or organisation is represented at tonight’s meeting, 7pm, at Hoo Ness YC. If your group is a member or partner of the MSBA you should have had an email with the agenda and minutes of the June meeting. If not, please make sure you update us with your contact details – email secretary@msba.org.uk

Medway Queen Tour and Talk, Sat 28 Sept

Congregate at Gillingham Marina in the Quarterdeck Cafe 3.00pm for 3.15pm walk to the Medway Queen. Limited parking space available on Gillingham Pier for those that need them. Tour of the Medway Queen at 3.30pm, 5.00pm for 5:30pm Heroine of Dunkirk Talk and buffet! Tickets are £7 each. Tickets available by phoning Gillingham Marina on 01634 280022.

St Ayles Skiff Talk, Faversham, Sat 21 Sept

Alan Thorne has arranged for Alec Jordan to visit Faversham this weekend, to talk about the St Ayles Skiff community boat building project. All are welcome to this talk at the Prifier Building, 2.30pm. Faversham Creek Trust is supporting Alan to develop a Community Boat Building Project for Faversham. After Alec’s talk, Rosemary Devos of Coast for Life will be speaking briefly about her ambitions for developing connections and actions, bringing together people all along our coastline to bring many benefits to our communities.

Queenborough Harbour Open Day, Wed 9 Oct

Queenborough Harbour Trust

Open Invitation to the Queenborough Harbour Trust CIC Open Day Wednesday 9 October 2019 from 1500hrs – 1900hrs, The Guildhall, High Street, Queenborough.

Queenborough Harbour Trust CIC took over the running of the harbour services in Queenborough from Swale Borough Council in 2012. We would like to invite you to an exhibition of the changes that have been made in the harbour during that time. Displays and presentations will include the renovation of the All Tide Landing, the piling of the walkway and the installation of sixty additional moorings including the finger pontoons made possible by the Coastal Community Fund as well as footage of the most recent Classic Boat Festival.  

The Open Day will be on a drop-in basis so please come along at your convenience between 1500hrs and 1900hrs. QHT Directors and members of staff will be on hand to answer any queries you may have and will be actively seeking suggestions as to how the harbour might be further developed.  Teas and coffee will be available.

Britain at Low Tide features Whitstable

Dr Tori Herridge and team investigate the strange shingle bank, known as the Street, that stretches north from Whitstable. Also a rare Tudor wreck recently discovered nearby that can only be inspected at a very low spring tide. If you missed the first programme in the third series, catch up here: https://www.channel4.com/programmes/britain-at-low-tide

The extraordinary life and loves of John Oliver, Rochester Library, 9 Oct

John Oliver on the tug Hobbit.

An illustrated talk by Frances Beaumont about John Oliver who was a tug man on ‘Hobbit’ on the River Medway for 40 years. John was born without hands and two short arms and became very adept with his feet. Many people in Medway knew him – he was quite a character. He was also a trained artist with an NDD and had many other jobs. Booking is essential for this free event at Rochester Library, Eastgate, Rochester ME1 1EW on Wednesday 9 October from 2.30 to 4 pm. To book call 01634 337799.

Arrival of HMS Medway, Tues 17 Sept 2019

HMS Medway. Photo Royal Navy.

HMS Medway is expected to arrive at Chatham Docks at 1400 on Tuesday 17 September. After locking into Basin 3 via the Bullnose, the warship will proceed to Basin 2 in Chatham Maritime. On Sunday 22 September the ship will be open to visitors from 10am to 4pm but no visitors will be admitted unless they have booked in advance. Visits can only be booked via www.eventbrite.co.uk from Tuesday 17 September.  UPDATE: All tickets are “sold out” but teh Navy hopes to make more available.

.

REYC Mary Cup Race, Sat 14 Sept

Fancy racing? Come out and join in.

ROYAL ENGINEER YACHT CLUB – MARY CUP RACE 2019
Run alongside Medway Cruising Club Gala on Saturday 14 September 2019. The first start is at 1000 hrs BST. The race is open to all comers! There are prizes for all classes. Entry forms, click here, are to be returned by 12th September. Sailing Instruction please click here. Please let us know if you wish to join in so that access at low water can be arranged.

UPDATE: There were six entrants and the winner was MSBA fan Clinton Lyon.

Wouldham/Halling Overhead Cable Works

Overhead works are scheduled to begin on or around 23 September 2019 across the River Medway between Wouldham Marshes and Halling, and will involve the replacement of an overhead power cable. River traffic will be monitored by a safety boat which will be on site whilst the cable pull takes place. Communications relevant to the works should be directed at the safety boat or Medway VTS on VHF Channel 74.

UPDATE 20 Sept: The work is now expected to be completed on or around 18 October. (Peel Ports Notice to Mariners No 25 of 2019)