How do people feel about living on the Peninsula?

Report - 3 November 2025

How People Feel About Living in Medway: Spotlight on the Peninsula
In early 2025, Healthwatch Medway spoke to 28 residents across Chattenden, Hoo, Upnor and Wainscott to understand how their local environment affects their health and wellbeing. This report is part of a wider series exploring life in different areas of Medway. Residents shared what they love about their communities, what challenges they face, and what changes they believe would make a real difference.

This spotlight report explores how residents of Chattenden, Hoo, Upnor and Wainscott feel about living in their area, and how their environment affects their health and wellbeing. It highlights the positives—like community spirit and access to green spaces—alongside concerns about overdevelopment, limited amenities, and access to healthcare. Here’s what we heard…

🧑‍🤝‍🧑Why Residents Love Living Here

Many residents told us they love the strong sense of community and the peaceful, green surroundings. Friendly neighbours, local support groups, and easy access to nature were frequently mentioned as highlights of life in Chattenden, Hoo, Upnor and Wainscott.

💬“It's a proper little community and it's very pretty.”

💬“The surrounding woods are lovely to walk in.”

💬“There's a good community and a baby group for other mums and the support makes me feel good and supported.”

Many residents of Chattenden, Hoo, Upnor and Wainscott described their villages as friendly, peaceful places surrounded by nature. They spoke warmly about supportive neighbours, local groups, and the comfort of familiar faces. Green spaces are especially valued, offering woodland walks, riverside paths and a sense of calm that helps people feel refreshed and connected to their community.

🚧Challenges Residents Face

Concerns about overdevelopment, lack of amenities, and pressure on infrastructure were common. Residents feel that new housing is changing the character of their villages and making it harder to access services like healthcare and transport.

💬“The council just let lots of building happen, which is not going to help the parking situation.”

💬“We only have basically one road in and one road out, but they continue to build more houses, which are not affordable for the locals.”

💬“There is a lack of shops, specifically supermarkets; we only have a Co-op and a Spar.”

❤️‍🩹What Would Make a Difference?

Residents shared ideas for improving health and wellbeing in their communities. The most common suggestions included:

More community spaces and clubs: Places to meet, socialise and support each other.
Better health services: More GPs, local clinics, and easier access to appointments.
Improved amenities: Shops, cafes, youth clubs, and sports facilities.
Protecting green spaces: Preserving nature and stopping overdevelopment.
Safer roads and better transport: Fixing potholes, improving bus services, and tackling speeding.

💬“It would be nice to have a community space that wasn't a pub where people could just go and meet and maybe have a coffee.”

💬“Have a cottage hospital out here, so there's no need to travel further for miles to get out to the hospital.”