Policy information sourced from the Dartford Development Policies Plan

DP14: Retail and Town Centre Development

Ensuring investment is directed as planned towards centres, main town centre uses should be located sequentially and in accordance with Policy CS12, considering sites within the Borough’s network of centres first. Proposals should demonstrate flexibility in the design and form of the proposal in order to respond to the needs of centres and available sites. Planning applications for shops (A-Class use) outside development plan centres will not be permitted where the sequential test is not met.

Confirmation of CS12

Core Strategy Policy CS12 identifies a network of shopping centres, including Dartford Town Centre and Bluewater, where shopping and leisure activity will be supported. Policy CS12:5d will be applied in the determination of proposals at Bluewater.

Review

An early review of retail policy will occur, as part of Dartford’s whole Local Plan review that will be produced in line with the Local Development Scheme.

Impact Assessment Outside of Centres

Outside of centres, retail development over 500sqm floorspace will be permitted only where it both satisfies the sequential test (clause 1 above) and the proposal is demonstrated to be acceptable through a retail impact assessment in line with national policy.

Optimal Design and Activities

At the ground floor in the Borough’s network of centres, a shop unit of suitable operational size for a range of occupiers should normally be maintained at the front of the premises, with a window display retained where possible. Full use should be made of upper floors in developments. This clause is not intended to apply for purpose built indoor/ enclosed large shopping centres.

For more information please see the Development Policies Plan