Only one week remains for residents to have their say on the future of Medway as its local plan consultation comes to a close.

Residents have until October 31 to make their opinions known about how they think land should be used and managed until 2040.

The local plan will determine where houses are built, how resources are distributed, and how infrastructure might be changed across the Towns.

Housing is a contentious aspect of the plan with many campaign groups fighting to keep developments out of their area, however, councillors say the lack of a local plan enables unrestricted housebuilding.

The authority is required to build 28,000 homes by 2040 to meet government targets but some have argued these are too high.

Previous administrations tried and failed to create a local plan due to divisions over how areas were to be designated, such as the Hoo Peninsula, which saw protests against housebuilding, and Chatham Docks, which saw a Conservative cabinet member in the last administration sacked for opposing redevelopment.

Cllr Simon Curry (Lab), portfolio holder for climate change and strategic regeneration, said: “I would like to thank each and every person who has taken the time to respond to the Local Plan consultation.

“We have been pleased with the response we have had so far, with people coming along to the Local Plan events we have run across Medway and more than 5,000 visits to the main Local Plan information page on our website.

“However, if you haven’t had your say yet, please make sure you take the time to do so before the consultation closes next Tuesday (31 October).

“The Local Plan covers a wide range of topics including employment, the environment, communities, infrastructure and homes and it is so important that anyone with an interest in Medway has their say on the blueprint for Medway’s future.”

The feedback from the current consultation will be used to create a draft local plan, which the council says will be ready in springtime 2024, that will again be opened for consultation.

The consultation began on September 18 and residents were able to respond online or on paper forms available from any of Medway’s libraries.

There have been a number of consultation events across the Towns, where residents have been able to ask questions about possible plans and developments.

The consultation document shows all of the possible areas where housing development may occur, possibilities for regeneration of public spaces, and necessary improvements to infrastructure to stimulate and manage growth.