New Homes Welcomed

The Leader of Dover District Council is welcoming major news that a key report on the South East Plan has allocated 8,100 new homes for Dover District.

Cllr Paul Watkins, Leader of Dover District Council said: "This is certainly very welcome news for the district and is an important step in recognising the development needed for growth in Dover District."

An independent panel of inspectors appointed by the Deputy Prime Minister has delivered its assessment on the South East Regional Assembly's (SEERA) 20 year South East Plan following an examination in public. The panel's report gives the Plan a clean bill of health on 11 out of 12 key topics, and recommends the region builds 32,000 homes a year until 2026, instead of 28,900 a year proposed by the Assembly. SEERA has today announced cautious acceptance of the report, as long as Government funds vital extra infrastructure.

The Leader of Dover District Council has also welcomed the recognition of the district's strategic transportation requirements. The report recognises the role Dover port plays and supports its gateway status. It recommends improvements to the A2 and A20 for port traffic and lorry parking. It also supports Dover District Council's view that the importance of the strategic corridor between Dover and Thanet merits recognition as a transport 'spoke'.

Cllr Paul Watkins said: "Whilst Dover District Council will need to assess the specific implications through the Local Development Framework process, the broad recognition of Dover's regeneration agenda is welcomed."