Policy information sourced from the The Dartford Plan
Policy M20: Identified Employment Areas
Identified employment areas will be maintained and developed for additional high quality, accessible and affordable commercial premises, and a more diverse range of new jobs in line with the Plan’s economic strategy, with improved transport provision and environmental benefits achieved. Additional business floorspace will be supported where proposals meet criteria 2 or 3.
Industrial Development Proposals
Development for industrial or distribution uses will be supported where they will improve the commercial quality, functional operation and environment of sites. Proposals will be expected to:
- Be designed to be of a form to reduce adverse impacts through new suitably scaled and designed buildings and layouts, landscaped buffers, and other environmental improvement or physical regeneration measures across the site; and
- Achieve better management of:
- Harmful or nuisance creating activities, including from dust, paint or other chemical over-spray, glare or light spill; or
- Goods vehicles access, parking, waiting (including for loading and unloading) on amenity, safety and congestion, as applicable.
Services Business Development
Development for other service based business premises will be supported where they enhance and sustainably intensify employment sites in line with the economic strategy. Proposals will be expected to:
- For major development for office or research and development, be located within easy walking distance of a railway station or Fastrack stop, or, failing this, the Travel Plan should achieve measures that demonstrate significant reductions per job in private vehicle movements during peak hours.
- For supporting businesses for visitors, be located and designed for use by employees of other businesses in the identified employment area, and not individually or cumulatively undermine the operation and status of the employment area or nearby centres in the retail network.
Other Proposals at Identified Employment Areas
Where a need from businesses in the vicinity is shown, hotels will be supported if the proposal supports sustainable transport, and the sequential test is passed in relation to alternative in centre and edge of centre locations. Nonjob generating development, other than operational development required to support existing employment uses, will not be permitted within identified employment areas.
Policy information sourced from the The Dartford Plan