Policy information sourced from Sevenoaks Allocations and Development Management Plan
EMP3 - Redevelopment of Fort Halstead
Fort Halstead, as defined in Appendix 6, is allocated as a Major Employment Site in the Green Belt.
Redevelopment proposals will be expected to achieve a range of employment uses appropriate to an employment site such as research and development, serviced offices and workshops and generate at least the number of jobs that the site accommodated immediately prior to the announced withdrawal of DSTL from the site. Redevelopment may also include a hotel. Land based employment, such as the management of the woodland and downland will also be supported, subject to the criteria below.
Residential development of up to 450 units may also be permitted provided it forms part of a mixed used scheme that delivers an employment-led development and is designed and sited in a way that is consistent with the provision of a range of employment uses appropriate to an employment site. It must also comply with other aspects of the policy.
The inclusion of appropriate community facilities and infrastructure to support the sustainable development of the site consistent with the policy will be required.
Redevelopment of the site will maintain or reduce the amount of built development on the site and be fully contained within the Major Employment Site Boundary. It should have no greater impact on the openness of the Green Belt. The height of the buildings must take into account the need to conserve and enhance the natural beauty of the countryside in this location.
Redevelopment proposals would be expected to:
- Be sustainable in respect of the location, uses and quantum of development and be accompanied by a Travel Plan incorporating binding measures to reduce dependency of future occupants on car use;
- Provide accessibility to jobs, shops and services by public transport, cycling or walking, including proposals for onsite provision proportionate to the proposed development;
- Make a positive contribution to the achievement of aims and objectives of the Kent Downs AONB Management Plan and conserve and enhance the natural beauty and tranquillity of the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty;
- Confirm, by way of a Transport Assessment, that the development would not have an unacceptable adverse impact on the local and strategic road networks;
- Protect and integrate the Scheduled Ancient Monument and listed buildings into the development with improved access and setting;
- Integrate existing dwellings located in close proximity to the boundary of the Major Employment Site into the new development;
- Incorporate principles of sustainable design and construction to minimise energy consumption in its construction and operation;
- Improve the provision and connectivity of green infrastructure, including the protection, enhancement and management of biodiversity and the provision of improvements to the Public Right of Way network.
- Provide for a comprehensive development and include a phasing plan, including phasing of infrastructure provision, showing how each phase of the development will contribute to the implementation of the policy.
For more information please see the Allocations and Development Management Plan