Policy information sourced from the The Dartford Plan

Policy M5: Designated Heritage Assets

Designated heritage assets are an irreplaceable resource and should be conserved in a manner appropriate to their significance. Any harm or loss will require clear and convincing justification.

In determining planning applications, the local planning authority will pay close regard to:

  • the significance of the heritage asset;
  • the desirability of maintaining and, where possible, enhancing significance; and
  • the desirability of ensuring viable uses are found for heritage assets, consistent with their conservation.

Where a proposal will lead to substantial harm or total loss of significance, permission will be refused unless it can be clearly demonstrated that the development is necessary for substantial public benefits to be achieved that will outweigh the harm or loss.

Where a proposal will lead to less than substantial harm, this will be weighed against the public benefits of the proposal.

Listed Buildings

Development proposals affecting statutorily listed buildings must have special regard to the desirability of preserving the building or its setting. Loss of or harm to a statutorily listed building or its setting will only be permitted in exceptional circumstances in line with criteria 3 and 4.

Conservation Areas

Development proposals affecting a conservation area must pay special attention to the desirability of preserving or enhancing the character or appearance of that area. Proposals that would result in harm or loss of significance will be determined in line with criteria 3 and 4.

The demolition of any building in a conservation area will only be permitted where it is clear that it will not adversely affect the character and appearance of the area, and suitable redevelopment or landscaping/ restoration of the site is secured. Scheduled

Monuments

Development proposals affecting Scheduled Monuments will only be permitted where they clearly conserve the asset or enhance its significance. Proposals resulting in loss or harm will only be permitted on a wholly exceptional basis and in line with criteria 3 and 4.

Geoarchaeological Sites

Sites designated for their geoarchaeological interests, including the Swanscombe Skull SSSI and Swanscombe Peninsula SSSI, are irreplaceable and therefore, will be protected and conserved.

Policy information sourced from the The Dartford Plan