Policy information sourced from the The Dartford Plan

Policy M6: Historic Environment Strategy

Development must contribute to the conservation and enjoyment of the Borough’s historic environment. The local planning authority will work with developers on strategies to realise this in the context of site heritage opportunities and constraints.

Where heritage may be at risk, landowners will be expected to work proactively with the local planning authority in bringing forward proposals to preserve or enhance these assets, to facilitate their successful rehabilitation and seek their viable re-use consistent with their heritage value and special interest.

Development proposals which may affect the significance of both designated and non-designated heritage assets or their setting must demonstrate how these assets will be protected, conserved or enhanced as appropriate. Proposals must aim to reflect and interpret the historic character of a site and conserve its most significant historical and/ or architectural aspects.

Non-Designated Heritage Assets

The Borough’s non-designated heritage assets include:

  • Archaeological sites, including sites holding an interest as defined in the NPPF;
  • Sites with significant industrial heritage;
  • Land with historic landscape character;
  • Historic open space, parks and gardens; and e. Assets that may be designated through a local list, produced after public consultation.

Development proposals affecting non-designated heritage assets must establish the asset’s significance. Development must conserve or enhance those aspects that have been identified as significant and should seek to better reveal an asset’s significance.

In determining planning applications affecting non-designated assets, the effect of the proposal on the asset’s significance will be taken into account. A balanced judgement will be taken having regard to the significance of the heritage asset and the scale of any harm or loss of significance. Development resulting in a total loss of significance will normally be refused.

Policy information sourced from the The Dartford Plan