§ Mr. WyattTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister what infrastructure plan has been agreed between Government agencies in relation to additional homes on the Thistle Hill development agreed by the Planning Inspector. [152110]
§ Keith HillThe Thistle Hill housing scheme, which is expected to yield approximately 1,000 dwellings, already had planning permission, granted by Swale borough council, but was limited to 340 houses before the new Swale Bridge was opened. The appeal decision made by the inspector on 15 January allows a further 85 houses per year to be built before the bridge opens, up to a maximum of 540.
The contract for the new bridge is expected to be awarded shortly and it should be completed by summer of 2006. The consent for the Thistle Hill scheme requires the applicant to provide contributions for education, including a site for a new school, and various transport improvements including improvements to the nearby Cowstead Corner Roundabout.
The Isle of Sheppey is an important part of the Thames Gateway growth area and the MISC 22 cabinet committee are looking at the broader implications of infrastructure provision across the whole Thames Gateway area. The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister is aware of the existing infrastructure problems on the island, particularly in education and primary health care, and these are being addressed by the relevant agencies.