Further Amendments to the Dartford Local Plan Review Second Deposit Draft
The following list constitutes Further Amendments to the Dartford Local Plan Review Second Deposit Draft.These are indicated in the normal convention of new text in italics and deleted text in strikethrough with the addition of underlining to distinguish them from the original proposed amendments.For ease of reference they are shown here in gray tone.There are changes in three Chapters:
| Chapter | Text or Policy Reference | Further Amendment |
| 6 - Green Belt | Paragraph 6.13.1 | 6.13.1The site of Axton Chase School lies to the south of the B260 in Longfield and is enclosed on two sides by the built-up area of the village.Kent County Council have indicated that following the possible relocation of in the event that it is decided to relocate the School, this site will be declared surplus. Should this be the case, and in the event of its not being re-occupied by another educational user, a predominantly residential redevelopment scheme would be appropriate, and this should include an element of keyworker housing.Due to its size, function and location, the site qualifies as a Major Development Site under Annex C of PPG2. |
| 6 - Green Belt | Policy GB11 wording | Policy GB11Axton Chase
Should the Axton Chase School site become redundant, a predominantly
housing development on a "footprint" basis will be
permitted. Proposals will be subject to a comprehensive scheme for the layout and phasing of the development of the whole site.The form of development should be low at a density in keeping with its village location. |
| 6 - Green Belt | Policy GB11 area | The Policy GB11 designated area is to be amended to exclude the 2 properties (Numbers 80 & 82 Main Road) which are not within KCC ownership. |
| 7 - Retailing | Policy R1 | Delete existing Policy R1 and replace with:
R1 Retail Development: Sequential Approach 1.Proposals for retail development (convenience and comparison goods) will be permitted at the following locations where it: sustains or enhances the range or quality of shopping provision and the vitality and viability of the centre; is in keeping with the scale and character of the centre; and is of a scale to meet the demand arising from within the catchment. a) Dartford town centre; b) land south ofWatling Street Dartford (proposed new neighbourhood centre); c) existing district and local centres; and d) in new local centres within the major new mixed-use developments. 2.Proposals for comparison goods development will also be permitted at Bluewater and the identified North eastern edge of centre policy area if : a) there are no available, suitable or viable sites within the town centre; b) there is a proven need for the retail floorspace; and c) the development would not harm the vitality and viability of the town centre. 3. Proposals for retail development (convenience and/or comparison) outside the identified locations listed above will only be permitted where they demonstrate there are no available, suitable or viable sites at these identified locations.Proposals should: a)demonstrate a need for the retail floorspace; b)not harm the vitality and viability of Dartford town centre, district or local centres; c)be accessible by public transport, bicycle and on foot; d)not lead to an adverse effect on the character and amenity of the area; and e) not be on sites allocated for other uses on the Proposals Map. |
| 7 - Retailing | Paragraph 7.8.5b | 7.8.5b It is important that Bluewater remains an attractive
location for high quality retailers, to ensure that the centre
does not compete directly with Dartford and Gravesend
town centres. The Kent and Medway Structure Plan:Deposit Plan identifies Bluewater as a regional centre and provides for this role to be safeguarded subject to any additional development not prejudicing the sub-regional centres of North Kent and the role of the principal town centres in North Kent as the prime focus for local retail, services, cultural and leisure facilities. There is an opportunity at Bluewater to accommodate up to 10,000 sq m of additional retail floorspace within the shopping centre. Some of this space could be accommodated through the relocation of existing centre management and community activities within the site.The Plan provides for the provision of up to 10,000 sq m additional comparison floorspace above that provided for by planning permissions granted on or before the end of December 1997. Proposals for additional retail floorspace above that permitted or trading on or before the end of December 1997 at 30 June 2001will need to satisfy the approach set out in policy R2. |
| 14 - Dartford Town Centre | Paragraph 14.14.15 | 14.14.15 The site lies within the fluvial flood plain and
tidal flood zone and development should conform with polices
NR6 (Fluvial Flood Risk Area - Developed Areas), and NR7 (Tidal
Flood Zone).The Environmental Agency
prefers residential schemes that provide living accommodation
above the flood level and sleeping accommodation above flood
risk level. All proposals must be accompanied by a flood risk assessment.Central Park itself, and the area within which the carriage drive will be located lies within an area notated by Policy NR6a (Fluvial Flood Risk Area - Undeveloped, Sparsely Developed Areas and the Functional Floodplain) - early dialogue with the Environment Agency is recommended. |
| 14 - Dartford Town Centre | Policy TC11 | Amend Policy TC11's criterion 5. TC11 Lowfield
Street Land is identified on the east side of Lowfield Street for a mixed use town centre regeneration scheme primarily for retail and residential uses with other supporting uses.Proposals should: 1. Be of a high quality of design that reflects the site's prominent, town centre and park-side location and respects the amenity ofLowfield Street and the Town Centre Conservation Area; 2. Provide retail uses that are well related to and properly integrated with the town centre; 3. Provide retail frontage on both the north and west sides and incorporate unit shops as well as a major store; 4. Maximise the residential opportunities in this important town centre location; 5. Incorporate a positive land use and design interface with Central Park and the River Darent as well as addressing the potential for enhancing Central Park and its Green Grid function; 6. Provide a new public square inMarket Street which is free of traffic; 7. Incorporate a new carriage drive route which connects theHigh Street/ Overy Liberty andLowfield Street, based on relevant transport and environmental assessments and which incorporates operational characteristics that include:
8.Secure appropriate provision for the replacement of existing community facilities; 9.Incorporate new community facilities; 10. Include a well designed and integrated extension to Central Park in the southern part of the site; and 11. Incorporate a visual impact assessment. |
