Houses and blocks of flats on St Mary’s Island are subject to restrictions on extensions, outbuildings, alterations and external additions.

These restrictions stem from the following:

Restrictive Covenants | applying to St Mary’s Island residential property. Where permitted in accordance with policy guidance, such changes will require written consent from Chatham Maritime Trust
Planning requirements – St Mary’s Island is excluded from the General Development Order provisions which usually permit minor alterations without consent. Most changes will require planning consent from Medway Council
Building Regulation approval may also be required from Medway Council for significant or structural construction work

Where appropriate consents from both the Trust and the Council are required.

It is important that any such construction works have the necessary consents from both Chatham Maritime Trust and Medway Council. The absence of necessary consents may affect the value of your property, and your ability to sell it, particularly under the system of Home Information Packs, which requires provision of all documentation.
There is no guarantee that retrospective planning or covenant consent will be forthcoming, and in any event a retrospective application is likely to cause significant delay in the property sale process.
For information on Medway Council’s planning process visit (External) www.medway.gov.uk |

Chatham Maritime Trust’s policy will generally, though not always, align with Medway Council’s planning policy / decisions. Trust consent will not be forthcoming for any application refused by Medway Council.
Trust staff are willing to have a brief informal discussion over resident proposals. Please make an appointment to come into the Estate Office (tel. 891888) and bring as much information as possible.
Residents will need to make a formal application to the Trust, and this must be accompanied by a (non-refundable) fee | Applications to the Trust for consent under the restrictive covenants should include:

A written description of the proposal including external dimensions and proposed finishes.
For extensions, conservatories, and other significant building works: two copies of professionally-produced drawings
For outbuildings, external fixtures etc: Plans (a copy of the conveyance plan or an Ordnance Survey extract) or elevations (if the latter, photographs will suffice) showing the proposed location
A copy of any planning consent from Medway Council (if obtained) or a copy of the planning application
Payment of the appropriate fee |

If the application is approved, the Trust will issue a formal letter of consent. This should be kept with the property deeds as it will be required for an onward sale of the property.

Retrospective Applications

The Trust will consider retrospective applications for work already carried out. Fee charges for this are higher, and there is no guarantee that consent will be given.
Important Note:

All properties on St Mary’s Island have been constructed with piled foundations due to ground conditions. It is therefore essential that residents considering any extensions (inc. conservatories) take appropriate advice on foundation design.
This is the homeowner’s responsibility and the Trust can offer no advice on or approval of specific foundation design.
The Trust does not recommend any contractors or consultants. Residents seeking advice may wish to contact:
The Institution of Structural Engineers
11 Upper Belgrave Street
London SW1X 8BH
Tel.: 0207 235 4535
Or visit (External) www.findanengineer.com |

Chatham Maritime Trust

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