Policy information sourced from the The Dartford Plan
Policy M13: Green and Blue Infrastructure and Open Space Provision
New development will be required to contribute to the Green and Blue Infrastructure network as follows:
- Sites of 20ha and over: at least 30% of the site area
- Sites of between 2ha and 20ha: at least 20% of the site area
- Sites of less than 2ha will be considered on a site by site basis for a proportionate contribution
This should include multi-functional land, providing opportunities for formal and informal recreation, habitats and corridors for wildlife, native trees/ landscaping, and other measures to mitigate and adapt to the impacts of climate change. Ongoing maintenance and management of such areas will need to be demonstrated. Where the provision of on-site Green and Blue Infrastructure or public realm open space is not appropriate or feasible, contributions may be sought for offsite improvements of open space in the vicinity of the site.
Existing Open Space & Green Space
Protected Local Green Spaces as defined on the Policies Map will be retained (or enhanced) to maintain their openness or special local role. They must continue to provide high quality spaces to support attractive, distinctive and sustainable neighbourhoods. Development of Protected Local Green Spaces will be refused unless very special circumstances apply, considering national and Dartford Green Belt policy (particularly Policy M12 criteria 1-3 and 13-14).
Borough Open Spaces will maintain their overall green environmental value. Development on Borough Open Space will not be permitted unless it is clearly demonstrated that one of the following criteria is satisfied:
- Where the space will be retained in its current primary function, with development limited to a small proportion of land, the proposal must support or enhance the existing space in this overall green infrastructure role. The proposal must not lead to any significant loss or deterioration in quantity and level of open space provision.
- Where development will result in a significant loss in the quantity of open space, like for like re-provision must be delivered within easy, safe and secure walking distance of the site, unless it is clearly demonstrated that the existing provision is surplus to current and future requirements for biodiversity and/ or the amenity and health/ wellbeing of residents. The replacement must be shown to be of an equivalent type and of equal or greater quantity and quality to that being lost.
Development of other public amenity space will only be permitted where a convincing justification is made. This must take account of:
- the quality, quantity and function of the space relative to alternative provision in the locality; and b. the benefits/ disbenefits arising from the proposed development.
Policy information sourced from the The Dartford Plan