A major step in setting foundations for the future for Dover District has been welcomed following news that a central part of the Local Development Framework - mapping out the area's future over the next 20 years - has been given the go ahead.
Following an Examination in Public in October, an independent Planning Inspector has found that Dover District Council's Core Strategy is sound. The document is subject to minor changes, but the Inspector has said these do not affect or change the overall strategy. This means Dover District Council is now able to complete the process by considering formally adopting the Core Strategy. The Council will also need to adopt a new version of the Proposals Map, which shows the major changes resulting from the strategy. This is going to Cabinet on 8 February and a special meeting of the Council on 24 February.
The Core Strategy is the key plan in the Local Development Framework. It sets out the district's planning framework to 2026, and in particular, growth and regeneration plans.
The Inspector's report is a significant step as latest information shows that only 13% of the country's planning authorities have an adopted Core Strategy.
The Inspector has supported the high growth option, which includes provision for 14,000 new homes and 6,500 new jobs by 2026 and beyond. Dover is the focus for growth, supported by sites at Whitfield, Connaught Barracks, Western Docks and Mid Town. There are also carefully selected sites at Sholden and Sandwich. The strategy also identifies which villages may be examined for growth.
The Inspector found the evidence to be 'thorough, robust and up-to-date' and agreed that the Council's approach of embracing the high growth options that looked beyond the 2026 plan period provided long term certainty for investors as well as flexibility.
Cllr Paul Watkins, Leader of Dover District Council said: "We are delighted at this outcome and this is extremely important news for the future of the district. Dover has been designated as a Growth Point and the South East Plan identifies it as a Regional Hub. The Inspector's report is a pivotal next step for the area to enable us to continue to move forward with regeneration and growth for an exciting future."
For more information, or to read the Inspector's report, visit www.dover.gov.uk.
