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.
Guidance for Planning of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO) 2026
See the evidence document for the draft SPD, which explains the data, context and potential operation of the SPD; plus the formal adoption statement.
Background information is available on HMOs and local planning, including Article 4 directions in Dartford. 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. Note in addition to planning requirements such as this SPD, other legislation may necessitate licensing by the Council or other action for HMO proposals.
Settlements and Sustainable Locations 2026
See the evidence document for the draft SPD. providing additional information on transport, and villages, and national/local data justifying the SPD; plus the formal adoption statement.
This SPD is based on the Dartford Local Plan (adopted 2024) and confirms the sustainable transport provisions expected for locations in the Borough, and the extent/status of settlements shown on the existing Policies Map. It will also help use national planning policy in Dartford.
Darent Riverside and Flood Management 2026
See the formal adoption statement. This SPD incorporates the existing Darent Riverside Strategy with additional content on planning flood risk requirements (clarifying sequential testing) and potential local projects.
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 from c.1,400 people who visited the public exhibitions, and over 200 questionnaire responses.
Borough Parking Standards:
The Dartford Parking Standards SPD was adopted by the Council in July 2012. View the Parking Standards Supplementary Planning Document (SPD). Its principles still apply, and in particular:
- the town centre/ urban/ village areas in quantitative standards (e.g. for dwellings) continue to reflect the Local Plan,
- and a number of local design requirements remain relevant to Dartford (for instance the approach to car barns/ports/ garages).
Kent County Council produced a 2025 Parking Standards document as the highway authority currently covering the Borough.
Guidance for parking at HMOs is provided in the SPD mentioned above.