Policy information sourced from the The Dartford Plan

Policy M2: Environmental and Amenity Protection

Development must demonstrate that it is designed and located to not result in unacceptable material impacts, individually or cumulatively, on neighbouring uses, the Borough’s environment or public health. Particular consideration must be given to the design of proposals in order to mitigate or remove impacts in areas and subjects of potential sensitivity in the built and natural environment (including as highlighted on the Policies Map), and other potential amenity/ safety factors including:

  • At developments generating adverse material impacts on air quality without adequate mitigation,
  • At all forms of development introducing receptors especially sensitive to adverse air quality (in particular within or immediately adjacent to Air Quality Management Areas);
  • And, for any development, with respect to:
    • water quality, including groundwater source protection zones; b. intensity of use, including hours of operation;
    • anti-social behaviour and littering;
    • traffic, access, and parking;
    • noise disturbance or vibration;
    • odour;
    • light pollution;
    • overshadowing, overlooking and privacy;
    • electrical and telecommunication interference;
    • HSE land use consultation zones;
    • land instability; and
    • ground contamination and gassing.

Development must not materially impede the continuation of lawfully existing uses. Where impacts cannot be adequately mitigated, planning applications are likely to be refused.

Landfill Sites

Planning applications on or in the immediate vicinity of landfill sites must be accompanied by a full technical analysis of the site and its surroundings, in accordance with Environmental Health and Environment Agency requirements. Analysis must establish that landfill gas will not represent a hazard on development of the site or that development will not cause adverse impacts on groundwater. Development must clearly demonstrate that it can be safely, satisfactorily and fully achieved, including:

  • avoidance of risks to neighbouring uses/ the wider area; and
  • design quality, infrastructure provision, affordable housing and other policy requirements are not compromised as a result of high remediation costs or to allow for delivery uncertainties.

Policy information sourced from the The Dartford Plan