Policy information sourced from Barking and Dagenham Adopted Core Strategy

POLICY CM1: GENERAL PRINCIPLES FOR DEVELOPMENT

Broad Locations for Future Development:

Residential development (particularly higher density development) will be focussed in the Key Regeneration Areas of Barking Town Centre, Barking Riverside and South Dagenham, and on previously developed land in other areas which have high Public Transport Accessibility Levels (i.e. levels 4-6). Employment growth will be focussed on Dagenham Dock as well as the other designated Strategic Industrial Locations and Locally Significant Industrial Sites as defined in the reasoned justification to Policy CE3 and as shown on the Proposals Map. Retail and other town centre development will be focussed within the centres set out in the hierarchy defined in Policy CM5. The Green Belt, Metropolitan Open Land and other important open spaces will be safeguarded from development.

Meeting Community Needs:

Development should meet the needs of new and existing communities. A sustainable balance will be sought between housing, jobs and social infrastructure to ensure Barking and Dagenham can continue to function successfully as a community in its own right, and does not become a commuter dormitory. Development should contribute to the regeneration of the Borough by providing suitable housing, social, cultural and economic choices for all, improving health and well being, supporting town centres and enhancing the image of the Borough.

Sustaining the Natural and Built Environment:

Development should use land and infrastructure efficiently maximising the use of previously developed land. Natural and built assets including natural resources, air and water quality, biodiversity and habitats, the historic environment, local distinctiveness, and the Borough’s network of open spaces should be protected and enhanced. Development should take account of natural constraints, particularly the risk of flooding, and should make the fullest contribution to the mitigation and adaptation of climate change and minimise emissions from carbon dioxide. The need for travel should be minimised through the integration of land use and transport.

Infrastructure:

Development should be located either where there is sufficient existing infrastructure capacity to support growth, or where this is already planned or will be provided in association with the development. This includes public transport and utilities infrastructure as well as social infrastructure such as schools, health, community facilities, open space and leisure.

Regional and Local Links:

New development should seek to integrate with and provide benefits for existing communities, including those in neighbouring Boroughs. Advantage should be taken of Barking and Dagenham’s strategic sub-regional position at the heart of the Thames Gateway, with its associated opportunities such as new infrastructure and close proximity to the Olympics.