Policy information sourced from the The Dartford Plan

Policy S1: Borough Spatial Strategy

Sustainable development will occur at planned locations in the Borough to meet assessed needs, securing new infrastructure provision and brownfeld land re-use, creating neighbourhoods resilient and adaptive to climate change. Development should provide a diverse and complementary balance of uses and services within settlements, and minimise the necessity to travel by private vehicles.

Growth will be located at strategic allocations, sites in the identifed housing land supply, and in line with the economic strategy. Development is directed to:

  • brownfeld land not within the Green Belt; and
  • sites with good access by public transport and walking/ cycling to a range of local supporting services/ infrastructure.

The overriding priority for development in the Borough is at:

  • Central Dartford; and
  • Ebbsfeet Garden City

These growth locations will be regenerated with the provision of new and improved infrastructure and strategic mixed use development.

Heritage assets will be conserved and enhanced in a manner appropriate to their signifcance.

Designated sites of biodiversity value will be protected, and improvement of ecological sites and networks maximised.

Accommodation for gypsies and travellers will be located in the Borough in locations that are appropriate to meet needs as they arise in accordance with Policy M11, including those locations previously in the green belt specifcally allocated for this purpose.

Urban Area Principles

The Urban Area is defned as the area to the north of the A2 and outside the Green Belt. Within this area, complementary to strategic growth at Central Dartford and Ebbsfeet Garden City, developments with permission will be completed and additional development will occur at the Urban Area neighbourhoods of Dartford, Stone, Greenhithe and Swanscombe. This will include:

  • Residential development at sites in the identifed housing land supply;
  • Provision of infrastructure, including for education and health facilities, and improvements to walking and cycling links, railway stations and the bus/ Fastrack networks;
  • Provision or enhancement of Green and Blue Infrastructure and Green Grid links;
  • Protection of shops and services at identifed District and Local Centres; and improvement of the quality of their environment where opportunities arise; and
  • Enhancements to the Rivers Thames and Darent for outdoor recreation, small scale river related leisure uses, walking and cycling, and ecology, where possible.

Economic Strategy

Signifcant jobs, major commercial activity and new employment premises will be prioritised within Central Dartford and Ebbsfeet Garden City. Economic development will occur at locations elsewhere in the urban area where this is consistent with sustainable growth patterns and provides suitable improvement and expansion/ intensifcation of commercial locations. Economic growth will be based on a strategy of:

  • supporting the growth of existing local businesses within the Borough, and encouraging start-ups and small/ medium sized enterprises;
  • promoting enhanced productivity, targeting growth sectors and clusters of high technology or creative, industries; and
  • increasing professional and managerial employment.

Economic development and jobs growth will be delivered principally through supporting development opportunities, to deliver:

  • Planned strategic expansions at, or additional foorspace within, the identifed employment areas.
  • Redevelopment for modern retail/ leisure premises and community facilities within the retail centres. The network of retail centres comprises:
    • Dartford Town Centre, which will attract a wide range of new businesses;
    • Bluewater, which will continue its regional economic contribution;
    • District Centres at Dartford, Ebbsfeet, Swanscombe and Longfeld; and
    • Local Centres in the urban area and at villages.

Non-Urban Area Principles

The openness and permanence of the Metropolitan Green Belt in the south of the Borough and at Dartford Marshes will be maintained. Development will only occur where in full accordance with Green Belt policies.

Any residential or other development within the Borough’s villages will be of proportionate scale and on non-Green Belt land.

For more information please see the The Dartford Plan