5.1.30 Proposed office development, in addition to that allocated elsewhere within this plan, will be directed in the first instance to Gravesend Town Centre, and then to edge of centre locations, including sites within 500 metres walking distance of Gravesend Railway Station and Ebbsfleet Station, in accordance with the NPPF sequential test. Only if suitable sites are unavailable in these locations, will consideration be given to out of centre locations.

5.1.31 Proposals for office development exceeding 2,500 sq m floorspace which lie outside Gravesend Town Centre and are not identified elsewhere in this Core Strategy, will be subject to an impact assessment in line with the NPPF.

5.1.32 The Council will work with its partners and landowners at Swanscombe Peninsula East to deliver additional employment-led mixed use development subject to a comprehensive masterplan approach.

5.1.33 In considering development proposals, particular support will be given to schemes incorporating small and flexible industrial and/or office workspaces of high quality intended to support the start-up and expansion of small and medium sized enterprises. The Council will also support the refurbishment and upgrading of existing industrial and commercial premises and improvements in information and communications technology to facilitate more flexible working practices and the changing economic needs of the Borough.

5.1.34 Development resulting in the loss of B class employment floorspace will not be supported unless otherwise allowed for by policies set out in the Core Strategy or where:

5.1.35 Development proposals facilitating the expansion of river-related employment will be supported, particularly where these involve the use of the river for transport and/ or provide specialist training or other facilities intended to support the continued use of the River Thames as a major commercial waterway.

5.1.36 The loss of existing commercial wharves shown on the Policies Map and other land-side supporting infrastructure will not be supported unless a study and supporting evidence shows that they are no longer viable for marine related employment purposes or are incapable of being made so at reasonable cost, and it has been shown that there is no demand for them through an appropriate marketing exercise carried out in accordance with Council guidance (Appendix 5), or appropriate alternative provision is available or will be provided as part of the rationalisation of facilities that, as a minimum, maintains capacity and provides equivalent or better facilities.

5.1.37 The Council will support proposals that promote the appropriate expansion and diversification of the rural area economy. Support will be given to the conversion of rural buildings to employment use/live-work units where it is compatible with national policies for protecting the Green Belt and where it accords with policies in this plan, in particular relating to Green Infrastructure.

5.1.38 The Council will work with its regeneration partners to enhance opportunities for all local people to access the greater range of higher skilled jobs that will arise as a result of the policies above. Support will be given to upgrading educational and training facilities and major development projects will be expected to contribute (either directly or through other agencies) towards the delivery of skills training, the promotion of apprenticeships and work placements.

For more information please see the Gravesham Core Strategy