Policy information sourced from the The Dartford Plan

Policy M21: Bluewater

The appropriate evolution of Bluewater, to maintain its economic contribution, quality and distinctiveness as a contemporary regional centre, will be supported subject to assessment of local and regional implications as set out in criteria 2 and 3.

Development for activities including those in Use Classes C1, E and F at Bluewater will be permitted where:

  • proposals do not individually or cumulatively undermine its role as a regional shopping centre, and are shown to be necessary to maintain or enhance its quality and performance relative to other regional centres/ competitors;
  • impact on the highway network is minimised, and improved access by and to public and active transport is secured where appropriate. Measures to be featured in a robust Travel Plan should include: high quality/ expanded interchange facilities; support for further Fastrack services where feasible; segregated and safe walking and cycling routes; and secure cycle parking. Particular focus should be given to measures to increase uptake of sustainable travel by employees and nearby communities;
  • the original design integrity of the centre is maintained; and d. the parkland setting is maintained and enhanced as a recreational and biodiversity resource and as flood risk mitigation.

Development for retail or leisure use also needs to demonstrate that the proposal:

  • is of a use and form demonstrated to be consistent with Bluewater’s role (Table 10), and offers activities and premises that create an overall experience that is distinct from that of nearby town centres; and
  • is acceptable after evaluation through impact assessment for retail/ leisure proposals over 2,500sqm (gross), and sequential testing for indoor leisure, which will take into account neighbouring town centres and regional implications. Assessment/ testing shall be carried out in consultation with neighbouring local and strategic authorities.

Residential development will be permitted at Chestnut Avenue East as shown on the Policies Map and Diagram 18 where it:

  • is consistent with all criteria in part 2 of the policy above,
  • integrates with surrounding neighbourhoods through provision of safe and direct access to the bus interchange, open space and other facilities and services within Bluewater,
  • creates an active ground floor and elevations, and creating a street scene and sense of residential place. Development must achieve a satisfactory relationship of proposed dwellings to the adjacent car park, and highway, particularly in terms of outlook, amenity and disturbance,
  • demonstrates that adequate parking is available for existing shopping centre users and proposed dwelling occupants,
  • meets other Local Plan policy and infrastructure requirements,
  • has been subject to a design-led process leading to an agreed masterplan,
  • showing approximately 114 dwellings are demonstrated to be suitable.

Policy information sourced from the The Dartford Plan