Policy information sourced from the The Dartford Plan

Policy E4: Ebbsfeet Central Allocation

Development of Ebbsfleet Central will be supported where it delivers a high quality, comprehensively planned, strategic Garden City hub. Within Dartford Borough, this will feature a full mix of activities which will all be well integrated in the wider area including: employment; health/ education; residential development; new open and public spaces; and major new transport and community infrastructure. The main focus will be development with an urban character close to Ebbsfleet International Station.

Proposals should be designed to:

  • provide at least 30% as open space, including varied and well equipped parklands befitting a Garden City;
  • ensure that there are no direct or indirect impacts on the Swanscombe Peninsula Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and that the ecological and geological interest of the SSSI is conserved and enhanced;
  • secure significant zero carbon and energy positive technology;
  • provide a new public transport hub with ease of interchange between rail services at Ebbsfleet International and other local rail stations, Fastrack and local buses;
  • secure the direct Fastrack route through the site linking Ebbsfleet International Station eastwards and westwards via Alkerden and other developments to Bluewater;
  • integrate developments and deliver major new green, safe and attractive walking and cycling connections to both existing and new communities, connecting both sides of Ebbsfleet International Station;
  • ensure that appropriate car parking is provided for Ebbsfleet International Station; and
  • not preclude achievement of new or enhanced rail services in north Kent, including to other stations in Dartford Borough and direct to Abbey Wood.

At land by the east of the Railway Station, large scale commercial activity and infrastructure will be delivered, providing good quality complimentary businesses and jobs, strategic health and community facilities, a hotel, homes and a new District Centre. A first class public realm, urban greenspace and a public park along the River Ebbsfleet, which protects and enhances its ecological interest and creates a naturalised river and banks, will be created.

At land to the west of the Railway Station, proposals will be well linked to development by the east of the Station and elsewhere in the Garden City, and ensure that there are no direct or indirect adverse impacts on the adjoining Site of Special Scientific Interest. Major mixed use development should include homes and community facilities, forming a connected and well-served new neighbourhood.

Development within Dartford Borough is expected to deliver the following:

  • Approximately 2,000 dwellings;
  • Approximately 100,000sqm floorspace within Use Class E (predominantly offices/ flexible workspace in Class E(g) and Class E(c)), and a maximum 20% retail) in Class E(a)), within the plan period; and
  • Substantial education, health and community facilities, including a primary school, within the plan period.

Policy information sourced from the The Dartford Plan