Supplementary Planning Documents (SPDs) add useful specific guidance for the consideration of planning applications. They help apply particular Local Plan objectives and policies. Dartford is consulting on new SPDs, proposed to be introduced in June 2026.
Dartford Borough’s existing SPDs in use can be found at the bottom of the page.
Public consultation on three draft SPDs
Dartford Borough Council is consulting on three draft Supplementary Planning Documents (SPDs):
- Draft Guidance for the Planning of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO) Supplementary Planning Document
- Draft Darent Riverside and Flood Management Supplementary Planning Document
- Draft Settlements and Sustainable Locations Supplementary Planning Document
How to get involved
We are asking for feedback to make sure the draft SPD is as effective as possible. As part of responding to this consultation, we are asking for feedback on:
- The design guidance within the document
- Whether the document is easy to use and understand
- Any other comments on the content of the draft document
The consultation will be open from Monday, April 27, 2026 until on Wednesday, May 27 and is being hosted by PlaceChangers. You may view the draft SPD documents via the links above. You can provide your thoughts by visiting the consultation website.
Alternatively, you can also provide feedback in the following ways:
- Emailing: localplan@dartford.gov.uk (at least one email per SPD please, clearly titled).
- By post to DBC Planning Services, Civic Centre Floor C, Home gardens, Dartford, DA1 1DR
The consultation aligns with the Council’s Statement of Community Involvement (SCI). This sets out the standards and statutory requirements the Council will follow for planning policy consultations. For queries, call 01322 343213
Further information on the SPDs
- Draft Darent Riverside and Flood Management Supplementary Planning Document: on this, we are also asking for views on three proposed projects along the Lower Darent. We are seeking feedback on what features you would like to see incorporated into these projects. For background to the draft document as a whole, read all about the existing Strategy (Lower Darent Riverside Strategy).
- Draft Guidance for the Planning of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO) Supplementary Planning Document: In planning legislation a House in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) is a property occupied by more three or more people, who share amenities at the property and do not live together as a single household. Background information is available on HMOs and local planning, including Article 4 directions in Dartford. See the evidence document for the draft SPD.
- Draft Settlements and Sustainable Locations Supplementary Planning Document. This is based on the Dartford Local Plan (adopted 2024) and confirms how sustainable transport for locations in the Borough is considered, and the extent of settlements shown on the existing Policies Map. It will help use national planning policy in Dartford. See the evidence document for the draft SPD.
What happens next
After the consultation period has ended, the Council will analyse all comments received. The SPDs will then go through a Cabinet process to consider the amendments that need to be made, and the documents can be officially adopted. Once adopted, the final SPDs will be available online.
Main Current Dartford SPDs
Dartford Town Centre Framework:
The adopted Dartford Local Plan to 2037 features proposals for regeneration of Dartford town centre’s places, streets and sites (see the Central Dartford chapter).
Work on detail new design assessment and policy guidelines to deliver the Local Plan and further Town Centre renewal has started. While this continues, The Dartford Town Centre Framework SPD adopted in 2018 applies. The full Framework Document SPD put forward themes and concepts for long term future of Dartford Town Centre. This follows input in early 2018 from c.1,400 people who visited the public exhibitions, and over 200 questionnaire responses. We also had 21 detailed written responses raising a wide range of issues for consideration.
Please contact the LDF Team with queries, or call 01322 343213.
Borough Parking Standards:
The Parking Standards SPD was adopted by the Council on 26th July 2012. View the Parking Standards Supplementary Planning Document (SPD)
Kent County Council also have Parking Standards.