News

14,000 new homes and 6,500 new jobs in Dover are included in the district's plans for the future.

A central part of Dover District's Local Development Framework which maps out the area’s future over the next 20 years, has been given the go ahead.

The document is subject to minor changes, but the Inspector has said these do not affect or change the overall strategy.

This means Dover District Council is now able to complete the process by considering formally adopting the Core Strategy.

The Council will also need to adopt a new version of the Proposals Map, which shows the major changes resulting from the strategy. This is going to Cabinet on 8 February and a special meeting of the Council on 24 February.

The Core Strategy is the key plan in the Local Development Framework. It sets out the district's planning framework to 2026, and in particular, growth and regeneration plans.

The Inspector has supported the high growth option, which includes provision for 14,000 new homes and 6,500 new jobs by 2026 and beyond. Dover is the focus for growth, supported by sites at Whitfield, Connaught Barracks, Western Docks and Mid Town. There are also carefully selected sites at Sholden and Sandwich. The strategy also identifies which villages may be examined for growth.

Cllr Paul Watkins, Leader of Dover District Council said: “We are delighted at this outcome and this is extremely important news for the future of the district. Dover has been designated as a Growth Point and the South East Plan identifies it as a Regional Hub. The Inspector’s report is a pivotal next step for the area to enable us to continue to move forward with regeneration and growth for an exciting future.”

For more information, or to read the Inspector’s report, please see www.dover.gov.uk