Policy information sourced from the Dartford Core Strategy

CS 14: Green Space

The Council will work with its partners to implement a multi-functional, high quality, varied and well-managed Green Grid1. It will deliver this by:

  • Facilitating the creation of approximately 300 hectares of new or improved green spaces as part of new developments by 2026.
  • Requiring new development to make a contribution to the Green Grid network as follows:
    • Sites of 20 ha and over: at least 30% of the site area
    • Sites of between 20ha and 2ha: at least 20% of the site area
    • Sites of less than 2ha will be considered on a site by site basis
  • Where on-site open space is not appropriate or feasible, contributions may be sought for off-site improvements of open space in the vicinity of the site. Provision of specific types of green space and water bodies to cater for diverse community needs, including older children and teenagers; natural habitats and biodiversity corridors, and for mitigation of flood risk, will be provided within the overall allocation.
  • Working with its partners to implement the projects below, in addition to those in Policy CS 13, through the Council resources and grant funding and as part of the Thames Gateway Parkland project:
    • Darenth Valley corridor – an enhanced path and landscape from the River Thames through Central Park in Dartford Town Centre to the open countryside
    • Central Park – expansion of the park, increased facilities and restoration of its traditional character
    • Thames Riverside Path – joining together the existing sections to create a continuous high quality path
    • Dartford Marshes – delivery of the ‘Managing the Marshes’ project which aims to conserve, manage and enhance the grazing marsh
    • New Countryside Gateway at South Darenth Lakes
    • Better connectivity between Dartford and Gravesham countryside through Ebbsfleet Valley and A2 corridor
    • Creation of a nature reserve east of Stone Lodge
    • Significant biodiversity improvements at development sites include Ebbsfleet Valley, Swanscombe Peninsula and the Northern Gateway
  • Protecting and enhancing existing open spaces, including those shown in Diagram 8 and those identified and designated as locally important, the diverse landscape character, areas of nature conservation value, Sites of Special Scientific Interest, National Nature Reserves and local wildlife sites, community and ancient woodlands, as well as priority habitats and species, both in the urban and rural area. Biodiversity enhancements will be focussed on the Biodiversity Opportunity Areas. Protection and enhancement of biodiversity on brownfield development sites will be based on survey data.

Further guidance on the quality, quantity, management, maintenance and delivery of the component parts of the open space will be set out in the Development Management DPD and/or future SPDs.

For more information please see the Core Strategy