Dover District Council to review Local Plan

Dover District Council's Cabinet has decided to update the Local Plan to better reflect current economic conditions and to bring it into line with the latest planning guidance. Dover was one of the first local authorities in Kent to develop a Local Plan with its Core Strategy adopted in 2010. Local residents and businesses will have an opportunity to get involved with the Local Plan review and are being encouraged to sign up to the Council’s 'Keep Me Posted' news and alerts for details of the forthcoming consultation.

Much of the evidence that formed the basis of the district's Local Plan is based on 2006 data and needs updating to reflect the slow recovery from the recession (2008-2009), the scaling back of Pfizer’s operation at Sandwich (2011), and the introduction of the National Planning Policy Framework (2012).

In its White Paper on housing published in February 2017, the Government proposes that local authorities review their Local Plans in whole or in part at least once every five years.

Cllr Paul Watkins, Leader of Dover District Council, said: "The Local Plan is a key document in shaping the future of the district, identifying areas for development and stimulating economic growth.

"As the Council was one of the earliest Local Planning Authorities to adopt a Core Strategy, it’s time to review the plan.  Whilst we are starting to see improvements in housing growth, new commercial floor space, and better skills, the district still faces significant challenges. The review will ensure that the Local Plan can build on these improvements and accurately reflects local conditions and national planning policy.

"It also gives us the opportunity to consolidate all of the district's planning policies into a single document."