Approach

Early feasibility work considered a scheme for Barratt and David Wilson Homes. That changed when Barratt acquired Redrow, and the project evolved into a dual-brand development – a shift that shaped almost every decision that followed. Rather than defaulting to the previous approval, we revisited first principles, exploring multiple layout options to establish the strongest viable direction for a Barratt Redrow dual branded site.

A single coherent masterplan was developed in accordance with each brand’s plotting books, design preferences and commercial objectives. A planning narrative was created that showcased how the Barratt and Redrow brands could create distinct character areas on the same site.

Alongside the evolution of the masterplan, we undertook a detailed local character assessment to ensure the development responded positively to the character of the surrounding area. This involved reviewing local policy and design guidance, analysing historic settlement patterns, undertaking a tissue analysis of surrounding residential areas and identifying key material, landscape and architectural influences. The findings informed a series of guiding principles covering density, block structure, scale, materials, landscaping and boundary treatments, creating a robust design framework that underpinned the Reserved Matters proposals.

Extensive engagement formed a key part of the process, including pre-application discussions, design workshops, design review panel, Building for a Healthy Life assessment and ongoing coordination with the design team and LPA Officers. This collaborative approach helped shape the evolving design and maintain positive engagement throughout the determination period.

Overcoming challenges

Working to the established outline parameters – We revisited established parameters and principles to identify where logical improvements could be made.

Increased SUDS required compared to outline drainage strategy – Working closely engineering and landscaping we developed a dual-use, seasonal strategy for basins to maximise useable open space.

NDSS – The most significant curveball came midway through the application, when Medway Council introduced an emerging policy requirement for Nationally Described Space Standards (NDSS). We successfully redesigned all 450 plots within the existing programme, whilst retaining the required open space provision and maintaining design integrity.

Developing a narrative using Group standard house types – Our instruction was to utilise standard housebuilder house types. The planners wanted more. We successfully developed a narrative to strike a balance between developer needs and LPA aspirations.

Managing expectations of the LPA and Design Review Panel – We managed the site’s relationship to the neighbouring future Lidsing Garden Village strategic allocation, building in future connectivity without making commitments beyond the approved scheme, and handling the planning and contractual sensitivities that come with a development still in the pipeline.

Outcome

We successfully helped Barratt Redrow gain detailed RM planning approval on a site that had stalled since outline consent was granted back in 2018. On 29 July 2026, Gibraltar Farm went before Medway’s planning committee on and was successfully given planning approval.