Rochester Riverside Phase 7
Number/street name:
Address line 2:
City:
Rochester, Kent
Postcode:
ME1 1GE
Architect:
BPTW
Architect contact number:
020 8293 5175
Developer:
Countryside Properties|The Hyde Group.
Planning Authority:
Medway Council
Planning consultant:
BPTW
Planning Reference:
MC/21/3485
Date of Completion:
04/2025
Schedule of Accommodation:
53 x 1B ,73 X 2B, 6 X 3B, 22 X 4B
Tenure Mix:
90% Private, 10% Shared Ownership
Total number of homes:
Site size (hectares):
2.22ha
Net Density (homes per hectare):
69
Size of principal unit (sq m):
142.5
Smallest Unit (sq m):
50.2
Largest unit (sq m):
165.7
No of parking spaces:
191
Scheme PDF Download
Planning History
Rochester Riverside Phase 7 is a reserved matters application being appearance, landscaping and layout. The site is at the southernmost tip of the masterplan and is the next full phase to follow the initial hybrid application consisting of outline approval for up to 1,400 homes and detailed approval for Phases 1-3.
Reserved Matters Application Submitted 01/12/2021
Reserved Matters Application Validated 01/12/2021
Statutory Expiry Date 02/03/2022
The Design Process
Phase 7 builds on the established design principles of the Rochester Riverside masterplan, forging connections between neighbouring Chatham Intra to the south and earlier phases of the masterplan to the north. The development creates two new character areas, both of which continue to draw on the surrounding architectural narrative of Rochester through their materials, roofscapes, detailing and proportions, whilst maximising views over both the stunning riverside location and historic town.
Two new and bespoke house types have been introduced, Oystercatcher and Lapwing, which continue to serve a diverse community and overcome the challenges of building on the narrowest site in the masterplan. Designed to back onto the riverfront houses, Oystercatcher offers residents an upside-down layout with bedrooms located on the ground floor and an open plan living/kitchen/dining room on the top, accompanied by a roof terrace which affords glimpses through to the River Medway. Lapwing, located on the riverfront at Stanley Wharf, is entered at the street to the rear and has a kitchen dining space that opens to a garden on the riverside with a spectacular high level view of the river. The landscaping steps down from individual gardens into the river walk and raised planting which provides privacy. Striking pitched rooflines animate the area and a landmark apartment block on the corner acts as a prominent bookend to the masterplan, aiding wayfinding around the site.
This phase continues to build connections between Rochester’s historic centre and the riverfront, drawing inspiration from the surrounding vernacular and enabling the development to knit seamlessly into the wider masterplan. The extension and enhancement of an existing public square on Doust Way provides high quality recreation space as well as a link to Rochester’s high street and other surrounding amenity spaces, such as the new Rochester high-speed train station.
Key Features
• Rochester Riverside Phase 7 celebrates high quality architecture and builds on principles outlined in previous phases by referencing the site’s industrial heritage in the scheme’s design; this is particularly signified in the design of the landmark flat block at the north of the site. A new house type (Lapwing) turns tight site constraints into an opportunity to provide a unique living experience, offering multiple amenity spaces with river views.
• Wellbeing and landscaping remain important considerations. Maximising physical and visual connections to the Medway has driven the development as well as providing a range of dwellings to promote a
