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Dartford Local Plan

The Authorities Monitoring Report (AMR) of 2013-2014

Dartford Borough Council February 2015

Contents Page 1. Summary and Key Statistics 1 2. Planning Policy in Dartford 11 3. Monitoring Indicators: Communities & Infrastructure- 17

Indicator 1 18 Indicator 2 23 Indicator 3 24 Indicator 4 24 Indicator 5 25 Indicator 6 28 Summary of performance against Communities & Infrastructure objectives 29

4. Monitoring Indicators: Jobs, Shops & Leisure- 31 Indicator 7 31 Indicator 8 34 Indicator 9 37 Summary of performance against Jobs, Shops & Leisure objectives 38

5. Monitoring Indicators: Environmental- 40 Indicator 10 41 Indicator 11 41 Indicator 12 42 Indicator 13 43 Indicator 14 45 Indicator 15 47 Summary of Performance against Environmental objectives 49

Appendices 51

1. Summary and Key Statistics

Introduction

1.1 The Development Policies Plan (Draft Plan & Options, December 2014) document proposed a structure for how improved monitoring arrangements

could be achieved in Dartford. This document reports on those indicators, updates the social/ economic outline of the Borough, and provides the

further information required in AMRs on planning policy production

Planning Policies summary (See chapter 2):

Dartford has an adopted Core Strategy and Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) in place

This is being complemented by a Development Policies Plan, which is in production, and Supplementary Planning Documents.

Dartford is engaging in the Duty to Cooperate over its emerging Development Policies Plan, and with others as they review their Plans and strategic

policy. However this is complicated by the number and range of adjoining administrative areas, including London.

Dartford delivered 602 dwellings in 2013/14. This is expected to increase further.

The Borough has a deliverable five year housing land supply (6.7 years on lower level inputs).

1

Characteristics of Dartford

1.2 To give a broad flavour of people in Dartford, outcomes are outlined here of the Mosaic method of using data to identify the prevalence of the

typical socio-economic groupings. The following two “characteristic sets” of people were found most commonly in Dartford:

Firstly: Mosaic’s “Aspiring Homemakers” - Younger households settling down in housing priced within their means

Secondly: Mosaic’s “Senior Security” - Elderly people with assets who are enjoying a comfortable retirement

1.3 It is possible these groups are found in contrasting locations within the Borough, for example between the rural/ green belt area, and the northern

urban area.

1.4 Dartford Borough is the smallest in Kent with a KCC estimated population of 100,600 (2013 mid-year), but has seen the fastest growth both in the

last year and over the long term. For example population is estimates to have grown by 15.6% in the ten years to 2013. This shown1 in Figure 1,

with Dartford as the lowest line - purple crosses - rapidly closing the gap in size.

1 KCC (2014) Time Series of Mid-Year Population Estimates 1995-2013.

2

Populatiion timc~ies il!.99(5, - 2013 i'n 9'ent distrii cts

- Ashfanl

...... Oa11terbl.U)'

""'*"" Dartforid

""'*"" Dr::n,e,r

-+- br.2111!:Slum

-+- IWlgiidstcuve

- Sevel'iOllS

- Slveplllr.lll'

-+-Swale

- Th .1l"ld

Tcrdid d 'g;,e & Mallil"lg:

-, Turdid dg;,e W ells

Source: Mid 'I'~ Pcpul.i'tic11 Estim.it=, Office fer Nat lcrul Sbl.l5'11ia rerDWTI Copy · hl;l P'.rodu=d by 1Du5.lne2. In na::: lllc.=arclh & E:-\l;l llllatllcm, ~11't Co1mtv C:Oundl l.99!.-2001 = t lm.1t= .ire lllha= n!Ylscd .i_nd n:leiascd an 7 Oc:tober 2004. 2002-2010 =lli.nutcs .ire thD:SC ~ .ind relc=cd :IO A 2 0t:I

Figure 1: Long-term population growth

3

42.0

41.0

40.0

39.0

38.0

37.0

36.0

35.0 Dartford Borough

Average Age, Mid-2013

• Males

Females

Kent South East Region England & Wales Source: Source: ONS M id Year Estimat

Presented by: Research & Evaluation~ Kent County Counc i

1.5 The rest of this section delves more deeply into social and economic data; finding that Dartford Borough has a young population often made up of

larger households, with higher earnings and a greater proportion of mortgaged home owners than average. All data and figures here are from the

KCC (2014) District Profile of Dartford.

Figure 2: Average age, by gender.

1.6 Dartford has a younger than average

population, particularly when compared to

Kent as a whole, as shown in Figure 2.

4

Ethnicity by age group , 2011- Dartford Borough

Any otherethnic group

A r ab

other Black

canbbean

Afric an

other Asian

Chinese

Bangladeshi

Pakistan i

Indian

other Mixed

White and Asian

White and BlackAfri::an

W h ite and Black canbbean

other W hite

W h ite : Gypsy or I rish Trave l ler

White: Ir ish

White : En g l ish / W e is> / Scottish / Northern Irish / British

Source: 2011 Censu s Presented b y: Research& Ev a luation, Kent County Council

20% 40%

• 0-15

60%

1 6-64

80% 100"/4

65+

Figure 3: Ethnicity by Age Group

1.7 At 12.5%, the

proportion of Black

Minority Ethnic population

is below the English

average. The age profile

varies significantly by

ethnic minority

representation (Figure 2).

5

1,600

1,400

iii 1,200 C 0 ~ .,

1,000 ~ "iii Ill ..c 1v 800 ., ~

'iii' ..c t'. :0 600 cii UJ z ::::;

400

200

0 2000 2001 2002

Source: Vi tal Statistics, Office for National Statistics (ONS) Presented by Research & Evaluation, Kent County Council

Births & deaths - Dartford

2003 2004 2005 2006

area - 2012

700

600

500 0, )> ;,:, Y.' z !!I.

400 C .. !!!.. t'I ::r

300 ~

OQ to ~ to .. Ill 0

200 ::, .!!!.

100

0 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011

c............l natural change -.-Births ____.deaths

Figure 4: Natural Population Change

1.8 Population

growth due to

‘natural change’

increased

significantly in the

first decade of the

Millennium, with an

uplift in the birth

rate as show in

Figure 4.

6

40.0%

35.0%

30.0%

"' :s? 25.0% 0

~ <l)

"' ::I 0 20.0% ~

co .._ 0 15.0%

-;;Ji!.

10.0%

5 .0%

0 .0% 1 person 2 p eople

Source: 2001 Census, ONS Presente d by: Research & Eva lua tio4 Kent County Council

Household size

3 people 4 p eople 5 p eople

• Dartford Borough

6 people

• Kent

7 p eople 8 people or more

Eng land

Figure 5: Household size

1.9 Household size is an important consideration in

strategic planning given the relationship that arises

between housing levels and population growth. The

proportion of households containing three, four and five

people is greater than average in Dartford (Figure 5).

7

45%

40%

35% (/) -0

30% 0 .r::. Q)

25% (/) :::, 0 .r::. 20% ro ....

15% 0

'*-10%

5%

0% -0 ro t:: -0 Q) .r::. c. ro Q) C C ·- C. .... -~ .r::. C ~

.... ro .r::. ~ 0 (/) -0 Q) 0 0.() ,_

C ex: Q) ,_ -0 ,_ C ro -0 -0 .... Q) 0 ~ Q) -0

Q) :::, C -0 Q) 0 ~ WD Q) ....

C 0 C C E ~ 0 Q) ro -0 ~ ,_ Q) 0 0.() Q) ,_

-0 t:: ,_ 0 ro ro Q) 0 .... .r::. ,_ ·.::; C E V') ro ~ C. 0

V') 0

Housing tenure, 2011

,_ Q)

ro Q) .... u .r::. ro .... .2: 0 0

...J -,_

Cl.. - > - -~ -0 ·.::; ,_ Q) -0 C 0 .... Q)

C :::, .r::. Q) E 0 .... :::, ,_

Q) u <( ,_ E .!l! Q) u .... 0 ,_ 0 ro .... V') > ·;:

Cl..

0.() C .... .... Q) > ,_ u 0 C

Q) -0 0.() ,_ 0 ro -0 C ro

,_ Q)

.r::. .... 0 -0 Q) .... C Q) ,_ Q)

'!u

0.() C

.2:

...J


• Kent

England

.2: Source: 2011 Census, ONS rf!tsented by: Research & Evoluotlon, Kent County Council

Figure 6: Housing Tenure

1.10 This (Figure 6) shows Dartford has a

greater than average representation of

people who own their house through

holding a mortgage.

8

700.0

600.0

500.0

~ 400.0 Q.)

3: ... Q.) 0. ~ 300.0

200.0

100.0

0.0

Sourre: ASHE, ONS

Median weekly full-time earnings (fs) - resident based - 2014

Males Females Tota l Presented by: Research & Evaluation, Kent County Council


• Kent

• Great Britain

Figure 7: Earnings, by Gender

1.11 Earnings of people

living in Dartford are

generally higher than

average (Figure 7).

9

Employment by Industry 2011 Dartford Borough

R, S, T, U Other

Q Human health and social work activities

P Education

0 Public administration and defence; compulsory social security

N Administrative and support service activities

M Professional, scientific and technical activities

LR"I M•teaclwiti~ r K Financial and insurance activities

J Information and communication

I Accommodation and food service activities

H Transport and storage

G Wholesale and retail trade; repair of motor vehicles and motor cycles

F Construction

E Water supply; sewerage, waste management and remediation activities •

D Electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply I C Manufacturing

B Mining and quarrying

A Agriculture, forestry and fishing

Sourre: 2011 Census, ONS 0.0% Presentedb :Reseorch&EvotuabO KentCou Council

5.0% 10.0% 15.0% 20.0%

Employment by Occupation, 2011 Dartford Borough ~-------~

Elementary occupations

Process, plant and machine operatives

Sales and customer service occupations

Caring, leisure and other service occupations

Skilled trades occupations

Administrative and secretarial occupations

Associate professional and technical occupations

Professional occupations

Managers, directors and senior officials

Source: 2011 Census, ONS Presented by: Research & Evaluation, Kent County Council O.D°lo 5.0% 10.0% 15.0% 20.0%

Figure 8: Employment

by Industry

Figure 9: Employment

by Occupation

1.12 Looking at employment by industry in Figure 8, categories Q and F

(health/ social work, and construction) are prevalent in the Borough, with

G (wholesale/ retail/ motor repair) the most common. This is likely to

reflect the role of Bluewater as a very large employer in the Borough.

Figure 9 shows administrative/ secretarial and professional occupations are

the commonest in Dartford.

10

2. Planning Policy in Dartford

Local Plans

2.1 Dartford Borough Council’s statutory development plan is currently made up of:

The Dartford Core Strategy (2011)

The Borough of Dartford Local Plan (1995) – those policies subsequently ‘saved’ by direction of the Secretary of State.

2.2 Policies from 1995 are currently being replaced by a new Local Plan document concerning development management. This is called the

Development Policies Plan. First ‘scoping’ consultation occurred within the monitoring year (Summer 2013). Once adopted it would

lead to the following structure of Dartford planning policy (Chart 1):

11

Dartford Local Plan· Emerging Development Policies document and

Policies Map

Chart 1: Structure of Dartford Planning Policy Documents

2.3 The Core Strategy is for now

supported by ‘saved’ policies from

Borough of Dartford Local Plan (1995),

forming the basis of the Policies Map. All

other 1995 policies are no longer in

operation. For details of ‘saved’ policies

see Appendix A. SPDs are discussed

below.

12

2.4 The identified conformity, and general scope, of the Dartford Core Strategy / Development Policies Plans (Draft Plan & Options version) are set out

in the ‘Evidence of Reasoning’ document2. This also groups proposed new policy against the ‘saved’ 1995 policy it is most related to.

Other Planning and Infrastructure Policy

2.5 Dartford’s Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Charging Schedule came into force immediately after the monitoring year (1.4.2014). It sets out CIL

rates of £100-200/sqm for qualifying ‘residential’ development, and rates for applicable ‘retail’ and ‘residential’ development. Consult the

Schedule3 for full details, including for maps of residential and retail zones.

2.6 A ‘Regulation 123’ list4 sets out the infrastructure on which CIL funds may be spent, this includes (with exceptions for some specific projects)

education, strategic junction and transport improvements, new leisure facility, pedestrian network/bridges and cycling enhancements and health

care.

2.7 The development plan is supported by documents with supplementary planning guidance. Overall, these vary in age and status, but the following

have been adopted since the Core Strategy:

The Dartford Housing Windfall SPD 2014

The Parking Standards SPD 2012

The Northern Gateway SPD 2012

2 http://www.dartford.gov.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0004/167188/Evidence-of-Reasoning-Final-Doc.pdf

3 http://www.dartford.gov.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0020/135227/CS-April-2014-1.pdf

4 http://www.dartford.gov.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0008/134558/123-List-FINAL.pdf

13

I I

2.8 A recent Cabinet Report agreed that “These should be accorded significant weight, having been through the formal process and consultation set out

in the relevant legislation.” And “[they] are expected to remain important parts of the Borough’s planning policy framework”.5

Forthcoming Local Plan production

2.9 The Development Policies Plan is the focus of Dartford planning policy work. With recent further public consultation it is hoped it can proceed to

adoption in 2016 on the following basis:

Chart 2: Development Policies Plan Timetable

Stage Timing

Initial gathering of background information and evidence 2013 (to 2014)

Public Participation and consultation stages (Regulation 18)

May to June 2013: 'Scoping' stage

Dec 2014 to Jan 2015: 'Draft Plan & Options' stage

Review consultation responses, amend document, and gather further evidence as appropriate February to June 2015

Publication of plan for written comments on soundness (Regulations 19 & 20) July to August 2015

Review of responses and preparation of minor modifications. September 2015

Submission of the plan and evidence (including consultation feedback) to Government October 2015

Examination in Public hearings by Planning Inspectorate January 2016

5 Cabinet Report ‘Dartford Development Policies Plan and Overall Programme’ (4.12.14)

http://committeedmz.dartford.gov.uk/documents/s47997/Development%20Policies%20Plan%20REPORT%20FINAL%20cleared.pdf

14

I I

Stage Timing

Adoption by the Council if found 'sound' by the Planning Inspectorate July 2016

2.10 Given the content of the existing Core Strategy and progress in housing, economic development and infrastructure delivery, there is currently no

identified need for a general site allocations plan document.

2.11 It is anticipated the Ebbsfleet Development Corporation will come into force and be handed development management powers in the next financial

year (2015/16). This new body will not be making planning policy; it will apply Dartford/ Gravesham Local Plans, and Kent County Council’s Plans

(Minerals & Waste).

2.12 This document is also required to report on Duty to Cooperate actions. A specific interim paper was produced on this for the Development Policies

document consultation6, which is not replicated here although some points are noted in Appendix B, with some key points outlined below.

2.13 The Council has a good five year deliverable and long term housing land supply, as outlined in Chapter 3. This is one reason there is not considered a

pressing need to most revisit strategic issues in the Core Strategy; enabling the scope of formal Duty to Cooperate arrangements devoted to the

Development Policies Plan to be focused on the specific key development management policy issues in question. However there are a series of

important general future development/ infrastructure issues, not least proposals that will emerge as work commences in 2015 on a new London

Plan.

6 http://www.dartford.gov.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0015/170007/Duty-to-Cooperate-Note_Final-A_15_1_14.pdf

15

2.14 As set out in the interim paper, close consideration has to be given to the Duty to Co-operate, not least given some of the policy and development

changes underway, even if the Dartford backdrop is to inform largely non-strategic decisions. The focus is on Core Strategy delivery, but given the

importance of infrastructure arranged on a cross boundary basis, collaboration must continue and will inform a range of outcomes including the

Development Policies Plan.

16

3 Monitoring Indicators: Communities & Infrastructure

Relevant Local Plan Policies

3.1 Three Core Strategy objectives have been put under this heading, and they form the basis of the summary at the end of this chapter. Six related

monitoring themes have been identified, and are documented here.

3.2 Monitoring on this topic can inform the evaluation and potential review of the following Local Plan policies (Chart 3):

Chart 3: Communities and Infrastructure Policies

Core Strategy Plan Development Policies Local Plan (proposed)

CS1: Spatial Pattern of Development CS26: Delivery and Implementation DP1: Dartford’s Presumption in favour of sustainable development CS3: Northern Gateway Strategic Site CS4: Ebbsfleet to Stone CS5: Ebbsfleet Valley Strategic Site CS6 Thames Waterfront CS11: Housing Delivery CS18: Housing Mix CS19: Affordable Housing CS20: Gypsies and Travellers

DP7: Borough housing stock and residential amenity DP9: Development Appropriate to Local Needs DP10: Gypsies and Travellers Accommodation

CS15: Managing Transport Demand CS16: Transport Investment

DP3: Transport Impacts of Development

DP4: Transport Networks Access and Design

CS21: Community Services DP21: Securing Community Facility Provision

17

Indicator 1

3.3 This is: “Providing a sufficient quantity of new housing in the Borough, and accompanying commercial development, in the year and foreseeable

future.”

3.4 Total new home delivery is as follows:

602= New homes built (net) in 2013/14

466= Average (mean) new homes built a year over the period 2006/7 – 2013/14 (inclusive).

3.5 The sufficiency of this delivery, and its implications for the future, are considered in detail in the published 2013/14 Five Year Deliverable Housing

Land Supply paper.7 The document summarises the historic context as follows:

7 http://www.dartford.gov.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/161646/Five-Year-Housing-Land-Supply-2014.pdf

18

-,: _1:.

:- ',:-1" _c ;; ::-

::.r I",:'"• '::-·,·1,:-

,.:::..ct u o delive

3

-I : -

8'.:13

:2,:)08 ::.J1,:)1 0

,: -.

-., ., .;., __ 4:22

4

Figure 10: Housing delivery in the plan period

3.7 The Five Year Deliverable Housing Land Supply paper explains the policy requirements in full, but sets out future short-term performance against

3.6 It can be seen that housing delivery has

fluctuated due to the recession, but is

increasing and is now (2013/14) beyond the

average level annual to meet identified

need.

this national benchmark. It concludes Dartford has as an acceptable deliverable supply, as follows:

6.7 year supply (using lower level figures for housing delivery and required quantities), or alternatively

5.5 year supply (using higher level figures for housing delivery and required quantities).

3.8 This range is in recognition of the philosophy of the Core Strategy, which reflects Dartford’s unique previously developed land supply capacity, and

the degree of uncertainty over the acceleration of market uptake on some of the very large sites that are being developed in the Borough.

19

-

3.9 It should be noted that, in line with the government’s broad preference and for the avoidance of doubt, these figures are calculated using the

‘Sedgefield’ methodology. However, as the Borough’s strategy is based on the achievement of development starts within the plan period at some

very large sites (such as within the proposed Ebbsfleet Development Corporation) to be unlocked through infrastructure delivery, the ‘Liverpool’

approach may well be relevant to Dartford. Figure 11 below addresses long-term housing delivery.

Figure 11: Housing trajectory

0

2000

4000

6000

8000

10000

12000

14000

16000

18000

20

06

/7

20

07

/8

20

08

/9

20

09

/10

20

10

/11

20

11

/12

20

12

/13

20

13

/14

20

14

/15

20

15

/16

20

16

/17

20

17

/18

20

18

/19

20

19

/20

20

20

/21

20

21

/22

20

22

/23

20

23

/24

20

24

/25

20

25

/26

Forecast Deliveryaggregate

Actual delivery aggregate

CS forecast phasing of landsupply for "up to" 17,300homes +

Local housing need target+

TABLE NOTE + The Core Strategy sets out an ‘up

to’ housing requirement based on land availability contingent on major identified sites coming forward. This upper limit is defined by the black triangles on the chart which is based upon the delivery projection in policy CS11.

The lower delivery threshold, identified by the purple squares, is identified in the Core Strategy as the number of homes required to meet local housing need, including in-migration. This figure of 11,700 homes during the plan period is consistent with the NPPF requirement for local plans to set out a housing land supply to meet the objectively assessed need in the housing market area.

20

3.10 Figure 11 shows the trajectory of forecast delivery (vertical bars) against Core Strategy “up to” capacity of 17,300 homes until the end of the plan

period. The graph demonstrates that delivery is forecast to be well in excess of the local housing need requirement set in Core Strategy Table 5.

3.11 Coloured lines in Figure 11 show future required delivery. The Core Strategy includes an ‘up to’ figure allied with a lower delivery level which would

trigger actions for unacceptable under-delivery.

3.12 The black line shows the ‘up to’ policy, which increases rapidly initially to catch up with lower levels of delivery that occurred in the recession, and

slows further in 2021/22. The purple line shows the important minimum 585pa average housing need requirement8. It is clear that this level is projected

to be substantially exceeded year on year in future.

3.13 The following table (Chart 4) outlines some of the largest mixed use developments in the borough already with planning permission and their

remaining capacity (not yet implemented as of late 2014)9.

8 The lower threshold requirement from April 2013 to March 2018 includes under delivery brought forward from the earlier in the plan period. Further details on the risks and actions to mitigate under or over performance of these thresholds are provided in Table 5 : Tiggers and Management Action of the Core Strategy. 9 N.B. Further development may occur at the general locations identified through other land with permission- ‘main’ current permissions with a significant mixed use element have been presented here.

21

Chart 4: Summary of selected large mixed use developments forthcoming

Site/ application ref. Permitted Residential Units Permitted Non-residential

*Eastern Quarry (12/01451/EVQA) Up to 6,250 homes 120,000sqm B1 Up to 16,900sqm A1

94,100sqm of other floorspace including A class uses (other than A1), D2, hotel, education, community and

social uses.

*Northfleet West Sub Station (05/00308/OUT)

Up to 950 homes Up to 339sqm A1, Up to 920sqm other A uses Up to 5,358sqm hotel

Primary school and community uses

*Ebbsfleet, (site located around the international rail station within Dartford Borough) (96/00047)

Up to 2,320 homes Up to 265,000sqm B1

The Bridge, Dartford (11/01207/OUT)

920 homes Up to 100,800sqm B uses and limited retail.

Northern Gateway (East and Mill Pond), Dartford (11/00295/OUT)

Up to 1050 homes 1,500sqm A1 2,500sqm A2-5/ B1

*The three sites listed first all fall within the propsoed Ebbsfleet Development Corporation area (which also extends into Gravesham Borough). The

Corporation will be responsible for dealing with most planning applications in its area in future.

3.14 The original permissions should be consulted for further detail. General updates on major regeneration sites are available online.10

10 See http://www.dartford.gov.uk/by-category/environment-and-planning2/regeneration for an overview.

22

House 4+bed 18% ~

House 3 bed 20%

10%

Flat 3 bed 2%

r Flat 1 bed 19%

3.15 In summary, it is considered there is sufficient quantity of new housing and commercial land available for development in the Borough; a situation

that is expected to remain the case beyond the short-term given the scale of opportunities and the prospect of further capacity being unlocked. The

planned scale of development is expected to materialise, not least as all the developments in paragraph 3.11 are currently under construction or

proposals actively being taken forward on vacant land.

Indicator 2

3.16 This is: “Delivering suitable types of dwelling where family homes are expected.”

Figure 12: New dwelling size in the Borough 2013/14

3.15 The Borough-wide breakdown by bedrooms and

type of new dwellings in the monitoring year is

shown here (Figure 12).

23

3.17 For sites under construction of up to 100 dwellings outside Dartford Town Centre, Ebbsfleet Valley Strategic Site area, and Thames Waterfront sites

during 2013/14 there were 66% of dwellings completed in the year that are houses of 2 bedrooms or more. This compares to a policy (CS18) of

“normally requiring new development compromising 100 homes or more to provide approximately 70% as family homes of two bedrooms or more”

in those areas.

Indicator 3

3.18 This is: “Planning decisions that meet housing needs, where some affordable housing is anticipated.”

3.19 In the Borough as a whole, in the monitoring year (2013/14) 46 dwellings meeting the NPPF definition of ‘affordable’ homes were delivered, plus 63

homes for sale at a specific discount. Affordable homes represent 9% of the homes delivered at sites which meet the capacity thresholds for

affordable housing set in the Core Strategy. This rises to 21% if the homes provided for discount sale are taken into account.

3.20 It should be noted that some sites where homes have been delivered, have deferred mechanisms set within the legal obligations for affordable

housing in response to the housing downturn and development viability issues.

Indicator 4

3.21 This is “Development for Gypsies & Travellers accommodation needs”.

3.22 No new pitches were provided during the monitoring year. Planning permission was granted during 2013/14 (13/00536/COU) for the stationing of

sixteen caravans at an existing - but long term vacant - gypsy and traveller caravan site.

24

3.23 A further four pitches at four individual sites were considered through appeal proceedings within the period April 2013 -August 2014. However

these have all have been recovered by the Secretary of State due to them being located in the Green Belt, and the outcome of his decision on each

is awaited.

Indicator 5

3.24 This is “Improved traffic management”.

3.25 The major national routes of the M25 and A2(T) pass through the centre of Dartford Borough. In terms of public transport, the Borough has seven

railway stations, including Ebbsfleet International to London St Pancras and four on the North Kent line. This equates to a station for every 7,000

Borough residents who work (approximately). The Borough hosts a bus network using dedicated routes, FastTrack, which extends in to Gravesham.

3.26 By way of context on transport demand, Dartford is (at 2011) in the top five local authority areas for the amount of people who work in London.

This was not the case in 2001; the numbers commuting to London has increased by the second highest level in the country (2,500 extra people; 100

less than Thurrock). The Census was used to look at how residents aged 16 to 74 and travelled to work in 2011 (Figure 13), excluding those who do

not work:

25

• Driving

• Wa lking

• Passenger (car/ van)

• Motorcycle

Others (inc undeground and taxi)

• Tra in

• Bus

• Work from home

• Bicycle

Figure 13: Borough transport mode to work 2011

3.27 Figure 13 shows the majority of Dartford residents

working drive to their place of work by car/van (58%). This

is above the national average (but slightly below the

regional); with a further proportion privately travelling in

vehicles as passengers.

3.28 One in six (17%) travel by train: comfortably above

average for other areas.

3.29 Other modes of transport (walking, bus, cycling) –

and working from homes - are significant less, and are

generally all below average. Only 1% of Dartford’s

employees cycle to work.

3.30 In addition to the planning strategy to encourage an effective choice of travel modes, the ongoing delivery of major sites is linked to major transport

upgrades. For example, the tunnel for Fastrack and pedestrians/cyclists directly connecting Ingress Park to Greenhithe rail station is scheduled to

26

reopen in early 2015. Furthermore, the Northern Gateway site now under construction will lead to a new section of dedicated route to enhance the

current Fastrack A service.

3.31 In relation to the Dartford Crossing, which has traffic implications across the Borough, the new ‘free flow’ automated system replaced toll booths in

late 2014. This is expected to mitigate some current issues. To deal with the longer term and strategic capacity, in 2013/14 government consulted

on broad options for a new Lower Thames Crossing. The result of this was reducing the number of general alignments for the route down to:

A route in or around the existing Dartford area

A route east of Gravesend.

First public consultation on more detailed routes in these two areas is expected by 2016.

3.32 Kent County Council reported on the preparation of major strategic improvements for the A2(T) in the west of the Borough11:

In a statement to the House of Commons on 27th June 2013, the Chief Secretary to the Treasury outlined the Government’s plans for long-term

investment in the infrastructure projects. Within the infrastructure identified were the A2 Bean and A2 Ebbsfleet Interchange improvements. These

have been classified as Highways Agency pipeline schemes and the statement signalled the Government’s commitment to funding these schemes

subject to the finalisation of options, a satisfactory business case and agreement on the level of developer contributions.

The statement in June was followed by inclusion of the two schemes in the National Infrastructure Plan 2013 that was published just prior to the

Chancellor’s Autumn Statement on 5th December 2013.

The Highways Agency has since appointed Halcrow Hyder as consultants to develop and bring forward the A2 Bean and Ebbsfleet schemes.

3.33 Public consultation on the proposed Bean and Ebbsfleet junctions improvements is anticipated for 2016.

11 The Kent Thameside Strategic Transport Programme Annual Progress Report 2014.

27

Indicator 6

3.34 This is: " Providing sufficient community facilities, where involving planning permission.”

3.35 Overall there was a small net gain in community use floorspace during the monitoring year resulting from a change of use of a vacant building to a

new church.

3.36 Kent County Council has identified that Dartford is set to have the largest increase in need for additional primary school places in Kent during the

next five year period. A number of existing primary schools have or are to have temporary classrooms to accommodate rising demand with most of

these potentially becoming permanent expansions. In addition several new schools are anticipated to serve a number of major development sites

in the Borough.

28

Summary of performance against Communities & Infrastructure objectives

Core Strategy Number and Objective Summary of Performance and Future Prospects

(1) A stable integrated community

living in attractive and safe

neighbourhoods that reflect the

area’s heritage and promote a sense

of place, whose residents enjoy a

choice of homes and easy access to

local everyday facilities.

This is a wide-ranging objective relating to several quality of life factors that tend to be subjective and hard to

measure. Nevertheless there is solid data available in relation to some key considerations, such as the choice

of homes. In short, the growth in new home availability is accelerating in Dartford.

Indicator 1 showed significant increases in housing supply in recent years (it is now again above the average

‘housing need’ target level). This is expected to continue; a high level of planning commitment and other land

availability will allow substantially higher levels of future delivery. The council has a 5 year supply of

deliverable sites.

Indicator 2 shows the policy aim of normally delivering 70% of dwellings as family homes on larger

developments in appropriate areas, was nearly met in 2013/14. Indicator 3 shows that in 2013/14 the delivery

of defined affordable housing was relatively low.

Indicator 6 suggests the range of key community services was not diminished. (In terms of local access to

shopping, Indicator 9 in chapter 4 shows positive availability).

Ultimately, judgements on how new, attractive, and well served developments are being delivered will be

made over a longer time period; however the planning framework is in place and now being implemented by

developers, with councils working on parallel infrastructure delivery.

(2) New residential and mixed use There has been significant progress over the Core Strategy period in granting planning consent and delivery of

development focused in Dartford many developments in these locations so far (policy CS1).

Town Centre, the area between Ebbsfleet is the focus of potential ‘Garden City’ future development based on mixed use principles. Delivery

Ebbsfleet and Stone, and the Thames of a first stage of the permitted Eastern Quarry development is now underway. Similarly development has

29

now commenced at the Northern Gateway site adjoining the town centre. In the Thames Waterfront area,

The Bridge has seen major housing and employment completions in 2013/14 and subsequently. Indicator 1

confirms these locations all have significant capacity to achieve thousands more new homes, and a similarly

high level of job creation.

(The current retail representation in Dartford Town Centre is covered in chapter 4, Indicator 8).

Waterfront.

(9) A realistic choice of travel Indicator 6 uses census data to demonstrate the substantial uptake of train usage in Dartford in terms of

options, with public transport able to travel to work (although the car remains most popular). This can be related to surge in the popularity of

cater conveniently for most local Dartford as a residential location for people working in Greater London.

journeys as well as to Central London The Borough benefits from Ebbsfleet International’s High Speed service to London St Pancras; and

and providing good access to the rest connections to many stations in Kent have just (early 2015) been improved further.

of Kent and Europe, with a well- Fastrack is established as an efficient and high profile bus network, linking to rail services and new

developed walking and cycling development in particular. The network is expected to expand as further new development comes forward.

network for local journeys. Indicator 6 notes potential for further route improvements to be delivered with the opening of additional

dedicated routes.

Continuous progress is being made through new development of non-car based infrastructure such as walking

and cycling routes. However public transport, cycling and walking as major modes of transport appear less

popular in the Borough than other areas of Kent at present.

30

4 Monitoring Indicators: Jobs, Shops & Leisure


4.1 Three Core Strategy objectives have been put under this heading, and they form the basis of the summary at the end of this chapter. Three related


4.2 Monitoring on this topic can inform the evaluation and potential review of the following Local Plan policies:

Chart 5: Jobs, Shops and Leisure Policies


CS7 Employment Land and Jobs CS8: Economic Change CS9: Skills and Training

Policy DP20: Identified employment areas

CS2: Dartford Town Centre CS12: Network of Shopping Centres

Policy DP14: Retail and Town Centre Development Policy DP15: Dartford Town Centre and its Primary Frontages Policy DP16: Dartford Town Centre’s Secondary Areas Policy DP17: District Centres Policy DP18: Neighbourhood Parades Policy DP19: Takeaways and Drinking Establishments

CS22: Sports, Recreation and Culture Facilities

Indicator 7

4.3 This is: “Supporting appropriate business facilities in the Borough”.

4.4 Chart 6 shows a total of 18, 737 sqm of new employment floorspace was completed in the Borough during the monitoring year. However, this

reduces to 4,304 sqm of additional employment floorspace being provided in the Borough after taking into account employment floorspace lost

through demolition and change of use.

31

Chart 6: 2013/14 Change in Employment Floorspace

Type Gain Loss Net gain

Office (B1a and A2) 2,818 sqm 928 sqm 1,890 sqm

Industrial (inc. B2) 0 sqm 0 sqm 0 sqm

Storage and Distribution (B8) 15,919 sqm 13,505 sqm 2,414 sqm

TOTAL 18,737 sqm 14,433 sqm 4,304 sqm

4.5 Dartford’s commercial land is very valuable compared to many places in Kent, reflecting its proximity to London and excellent strategic transport

connections. As measured and categorised by rateable value, the Borough’s “industrial” sector has had for a number of years the highest valued

floorspace in the county (£65/sqm)12.

12 KCC (2012) Non Domestic Rates 2011/12 (Known as Business Rates).

32

20000 ~-----------------

15000 +-------

10000 -------

5000 -------

0 Net Gain

-5000 +-------------• Distribution/

storage ( B8) -10000 +-------------

• Office based (Bla _15000 ~--~a_n~d~A~2~ -----------

Figure 14: 2013/14 Change in Employment Floorspace Illustration

4.6 This chart (Figure 14) shows data from Chart 6,

illustrating the overall changes in employment

floorspace (sqm) particularly the churn /replenishment

of distribution and storage premises in Dartford. New

warehouses were constructed at Questor Business Park

and at the Bridge mixed use development. However

the development at Questor involved the demolition of

older warehouse buildings.

4.7 New office floorspace was provided primarily

through change of use in Dartford Town Centre and at

Crossways Business Park.

33

Indicator 8

4.8 This is: “Enhancing Dartford town centre”.

4.9 The major national changes in retailing have been witnessed in the Borough. The ‘Local Data Company’ has produced up to date information13 on

vacancy in the country’s retail centres. This shows the worse performing town centres are generally ‘medium sized’ towns, often places with a

distinct industrial history but located outside or on the periphery of metropolitan areas e.g. Stoke on Trent, Hartlepool, West Bromwich (etc.) The

ten worse vacancy rates in the country vary from 29.4% to 26.2%. Places with the lowest vacancies are often affluent suburban areas. The national

vacant average is calculated at 11.8%.

4.10 To provide a Borough-wide perspective, the net change – completions less loss of provision - in shop (A-class) floorspace to 2013/14 (cumulative

from 2008/9 inclusive) is reported14 by Use Class:

A1 (general retail /goods sale): -4,496sqm

A2 (financial / professional offices): -874sqm

A3 (café/ restaurants): +4,132sqm

A4 (pubs/ bars): -1,459sqm

A5 (hot food takeaways): +706sqm

4.11 This shows the trend has been increased provision of places in the Borough to eat (mostly on the premises e.g. restaurants/cafes which have grown

in size year on year). Levels of other uses fluctuate between years, but have lost floorspace over the period overall. For A1 floorspace, it equates to

an average contraction of 750sqm a year.

13 LDC (2015) Vacancy Report Summary H2 2014 Mind the Gap! 14 KCC (2014) Dartford Borough Council Commercial Information Audit Statistical Report 2013/14.

34

4.12 Up to date (late 2014) data is available15 on the use of premises in Dartford Town Centre. This shows the primary frontage is dominated by A1

provision, whilst in the smaller secondary frontage, there is a greater mix/ tendency to vacancies16:

Chart 7: Primary and Secondary Frontage Uses 2014

Use Proposed Primary Frontage Proposed Secondary Frontage

A1 105 43

A2 19 18

A3 16 11

A4 5 2

A5 3 7

[Total A class] [148] [81]

Vacant 20 21

Other 8 23

15 http://windmz.dartford.gov.uk/media/Local_Shopping_and_Town_Centre_Study_Dec12.pdf

16 GVA Grimley (2010) Dartford Retail & Commercial Leisure Study. This cites (Table 5.6) 80 vacant units equating to a rate of 22% (compared to a national average of 11%):

source “Experian Category Report, March 2009”. This is on a slightly larger town centre definition.

35

Dartford Primary and Secondary Frontage Units

• A1

• A2

• A3

• A4

• AS

• VACANT

• Other

Figure 15: Proportion of uses in Dartford Town Centre’s proposed retail frontages

4.11 Figure 15 the breakdown of

units in Dartford town centre’s

proposed designated frontage as a

whole. This reveals that out of c.300

units, approximately half are A1

retail. This is complemented by a

good number of A2, A3-A5 and

other uses; although at around 14%

the vacancy rate is currently a little

higher than the national average

(however the town’s vacancies have

decreased compared to five years

ago). This can be attributed, at least

in part, to the regeneration site at

Lowfield Street.

4.13 The Local Data Company’s report also updates the national share of the supermarket trade. Supermarkets present/ interested in locating at/ on the

edge of Dartford Town Centre include:

Sainsbury’s: ranked 2nd with 16%.

Aldi (in preparation to move in to existing unit): ranked 6th with 6%.

36

Lidl (understood to be interested): ranked 7th with 5%.

M&S (described as “holding their own” nationally): ranked 9th with 3%.

Iceland: ranked 10th.

4.14 The four other retailers in the top five are: Tesco, Asda, Morrison’s and Co-op (in descending order of national market share). At present, there are

relatively few major supermarkets located in the town centre, although this is improving.

4.15 Recent improvements in the Town Centre include the relocation of the market to a more central street, and investment in new stores and parking

facilities at The Orchards shopping centre. Ellandi who have a portfolio of approximately 20 centres (including successful shopping locations at

Chatham and Folkestone) has just acquired the Priory shopping centre, with a weekly footfall of 150,000.

Indicator 9

4.16 This is: “Maintaining the retail vitality of District Centres”

4.17 These centres – as proposed at present - vary from being suburban and rural centres, to centres for smaller urban places. However the recorded

(2013) vacancy rates were nil or low, all benefiting from a significant element of A1 retailing.

Chart 8: District Centre A1 and Vacancy Proportions 2013

% Longfield High St, Swanscombe Temple Hill Square, Dartford Dartford Rd / Havelock Rd, Dartford

A1 53 38 47 48

Vacant 0 6 0 0

4.18 It is proposed the local shopping network would also be supported by a series of Neighbourhood Centres across the Borough.

37

Summary of performance against Jobs, Shops & Leisure objectives


(3) A successful commercial hub at This area has not progressed to development. Information in Indicator 1 (Chapter 3) shows that permissions are

Ebbsfleet acting as a driver for extant but have not been taken up. As noted, the Ebbsfleet Development Corporation is now expected to cover the

economic growth and diversification area of the major ‘London Paramount’ / ‘Garden City’ proposals.

in the Borough resulting in a range of A potential Paramount leisure resort development at Swanscombe Peninsula is the first scheme to be categorised

jobs, with appropriate education and as a ‘Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP)’ by virtue of its national-scale significance for economic

skill training opportunities to enable development. The offers very good prospects for local job creation, although it is too early to confirm details such

residents to access a wide range of as associated skills/ training investment at present.

jobs and professions. This is not related to the Borough’s general potential for economic development, as it has retained its pre-

eminence as on the most sought after locations for employment development in Kent- with particular gains in

storage/distribution premises noted in Indicator 7.

(4) A vibrant town centre with a

flourishing day and evening economy

and a strong cultural and leisure offer

alongside a strong retail core, set in

an attractive public realm.

Indicator 8 provides some indicators on the retail performance of Dartford Town Centre. The retail core remains

relatively strong as measured through A1 shop representation in the core areas (primary frontage), and the choice

of uses is diverse.

In terms of the evening economy, it has retained a number of food and drink uses (these make up a quarter of

secondary frontage units) plus leisure functions although the representation of multiple restaurants is low. Class A3

floorspace has consistently grown in the Borough. In terms of daytime employment, Indicator 7 noted Dartford

Town Centre had contributed to the gains in office provision.

The overall vacancy rate of units in retail frontage is 14%, and representation of key retailers such as major

supermarkets is limited (Indicator 8). In late 2014, Tesco confirmed they would not be proceeding with

38

redevelopment of the large vacant land and premises at Lowfield Street. Existing retail units on the site had been

vacated to enable large-scale regeneration.

Clearly the regeneration of the central sites (also including the former Co-op land at Hythe Street, and former

Westgate car park, Kent Road) identified for mixed use regeneration would enhance the town centre’s vitality,

viability, and attractiveness, and build on current investment in the town’s purpose built shopping centres; subject

to improvement in the national and economic and retail environment.

Chapter 5 (Indicator 15) notes the town centre hosts the largest Conservation Area in the Borough.

(8) A full range of opportunities to Dartford contains a variety of cultural and leisure facilities across the Borough provided by both the Council and

enjoy first class cultural and leisure other private providers. Facilities include the Orchard Theatre in Dartford town centre, which has undergone

pursuits as well as sport and recent improvements to the customer entrance area and front of house facilities, with further improvements

recreation, particularly at Dartford planned to take place during 2015. The Council’s swimming pool and leisure centre are currently closed whilst the

Town Centre, Eastern Quarry, facility is re-furbished; the programme includes the expansion and enhancement of sports and fitness facilities. The

Ebbsfleet, Stone Lodge and centre is due to re-open by the end of 2015. Kent County Council has consulted on proposals to re-furbish and

Swanscombe Peninsula update facilities at Dartford Central Library and detailed proposals are currently under consideration. Elsewhere,

leisure provision is related to the delivery of the major mixed schemes outlined in this document.

39

5. Monitoring Indicators: Environmental


5.1 Four Core Strategy objectives have been put under this heading, and they form the basis of the summary at the end of this chapter. Six related


5.2 Monitoring on this topic can inform the evaluation and potential review of the following Local Plan policies:

Chart 9: Environmental Policies


CS13: Green Belt CS14: Green Space

Policy DP22: Development in the Green Belt Policy DP23: Protected Local Green Space (PLGS) Policy DP24: Open Space & Green Grid Policy DP25: Nature Conservation & Enhancement

CS23: Minimising Carbon Emissions CS24: Flood Risk CS25: Water Management

Policy DP11: Supporting Infrastructure and Construction

CS10: Housing Provision CS17: Design of Homes

Policy DP6: Sustainable Residential Locations Policy DP2: Good design in Dartford Policy DP8: Residential space and Design

Policy DP12: Dartford’s historic environment strategy Policy DP13: Designated Heritage Assets

Policy DP5: Environmental and Amenity Protection

40

• Brownfi eld*

• Greenfie Id +

Indicator 10

5.3 This is: “Avoiding unnecessary greenfield development through re-use of (previously developed/ despoilt) land for housing.”

5.4 This is measured over time from the year of Core Strategy introduction (2006/7) up to and including the monitoring year (2013/14). Figure 16 shows

the target of 80% is narrowly being met.

Figure 16: Proportion of homes built on brownfield land 2006 -2014

CHART NOTE

* Brownfield land includes previously developed and despoiled sites.

+ Greenfield land shown includes a proportion of homes delivered on sites containing both greenfield and brownfield land such as the Bridge, where although previously developed the site contains a significant amount of greenspace.

Indicator 11

5.5 This is: “Green Belt appropriate development only.”

41

• Minor Approvals

• Householder Extensions

• Other

5.6 The following illustrates (Figure 17) the breakdown by type of the 86 planning permissions in 2013/14 for development in the Green Bel.-

Figure 17: Breakdown of type of Green Belt planning applications permitted 2013/14

5.7 ‘Other developments’ includes a

replacement canopy for the A & E area at

Darenth Valley hospital, and a state of art

power plant within an existing small site.

Therefore, given these, and the by definition

the moderate scale of the minor approvals

and householder extensions development, it

can be concluded that no inappropriate

development as defined by national policy,

was allowed in Dartford’s Green Belt land.

Indicator 12

5.8 This is: “Retention and provision of key local open spaces”

5.9 Development did not take place at any proposed public local greenspace during the monitoring year.

42

5.10 New greenspaces and public open spaces have been provided within new development:

The Bridge, Dartford (ongoing)-

o Pocket parks adjacent to residential neighbourhoods have been provided.

o A chain of public greenspace, set to run through the whole site, has been extended in the current phase of build.

The Stone House Hospital site was completed-

o The development entailed the conversion of the existing hospital, demolition of redundant buildings and new dwellings erected in a

previously vacant greenfield area of the site. New open space was created in this part of the development together with provision of

informal play equipment.

o The parkland setting of the hospital grounds to the south have been retained and enhanced incorporating important existing trees and

new formal and informal open space provided.

o Green links have been incorporated across and to the outside of the site.

Indicator 13

5.11 This is: “Key habitats, waterways and Biodiversity”

5.12 The following data from Natural England shows for SSSIs in the Borough (cross boundary sites shown *) shows the generally favourable condition of

these sites, with the exception of the Wantsunt Pit earth heritage sites on Dartford’s border.

43

Chart 10: SSSI condition

Site Main Habitat(s) Total Area Date(s) Assessment Description

Darenth Wood Calcareous Grassland (lowland) x2 6.71ha Sept 2010 Favourable

Broadland – Mixed & Yew woodland (lowland) x 8

116.21ha June 2009 – Sept 2010

Favourable; with x1 Unfavourable: recovering (11.6ha).

Swanscombe Skull site Earth Heritage 3.88ha Nov 2012 Favourable

Bakers Hole, Ebbsfleet 6.89ha Mar 2012

*Wantsunt Pit, Dartford Earth Heritage x2 1.94ha Oct 2010 Unfavourable

*Farningham Broadland – Mixed & Yew woodland (lowland) 12.9ha Oct 2010 Favourable

5.13 Outside of Dartford, but of potential relevance, are four sites designated for protection under European Law that are within 10km of Dartford:

The Thames Estuary and Marshes SPA/ Ramsar Site

The Medway Estuary and Marshes SPA/ Ramsar Site

North Downs Woodlands SAC

Peters Pit SAC

5.14 Early screening of the potential for adverse impacts on the above sites has been undertaken in relation to the policies proposed in the emerging

Development Policies DPD. At this stage it is envisaged that the plan is unlikely to have a significant effect on the sites. The North Kent Environment

and Planning Officers Group (made up of officers from North Kent local authorities, including Dartford and natural environment bodies) has

commissioned evidence studies to understand issues associated with bird disturbance resulting from recreation activities at the Thames and

Medway SPAs. Using the findings a Strategic Access Management Strategy for European sites has been produced. Partners are now considering

how the strategy can be taken forward.

44

Indicator 14

5.15 This is: “Sustainable residential construction”

5.16 Evidence on climate change has led to efforts to make new dwellings more energy efficient and built to incorporate renewable energy and water

saving features. However, even in a high growth area like Dartford, the housing stock remains predominantly older existing properties. Transport

and businesses are also generators of carbon emissions, so Figure 1817 examines trends in the makeup of emissions in Dartford.

17 DECC (2014) Local and Regional CO2 Emissions Estimates for 2005-2012

45

400.0

350.0

300.0

250.0

200.0

150.0

100.0

50.0

--lndust and Commercial Total

--Domestic Total

--Transport Total

2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

Figure 18: Dartford carbon emissions (Kt CO2) by source and year

5.17 Figure 18 shows a decline from all sources in

Dartford’s carbon emissions over time, although levels

are estimated to have increased slightly in 2012. The

greatest decline in emissions has been from businesses.

Accounting for Dartford’s growth, they decreased

significantly and consistently from 9.7 to 7.0 Kt in 2011 but

increased to 7.3kt per capita in 2012, in parallel with an

increase in the regional average in 2012.

5.18 Overall emissions in the Borough remain slightly

above the Kent and regional per capita levels. Transport

emissions account for 43% of the Borough’s total, in

contrast to only accounting for one third of the total

emissions measured at a Kent and also a regional level.

5.18 Focusing on some new development, the government record18 the total volume of Code for Sustainable Homes certificates, by council (since

2008/9 inclusive). This shows that up to and including the monitoring year in Dartford the following had been issued:

“Post completion” certificates: 307

o (lower than the median volume of 350 in the 12 LPAs in Kent)

18 DCLG (2014) Code for Sustainable Homes: Cumulative and Quarterly Data for England, Wales and Northern Ireland up to end of June 2014

46

“Design stage” certificates: 487

o (higher than the median volume of 438 for the 12 LPAs in Kent).

5.19 This shows lower relative levels of certification at post completion than design stage. This can be both a factor of the changing overall volume of

new house building, and also the application of the Code for new houses that are proposed within an area.

Indicator 15

5.20 This is: “Planning decisions supporting enjoyment of the historic environment.”

5.21 The type of development permitted in close proximity to Scheduled Ancient Monuments has been examined, and this is found to be predominantly

householder and minor approvals only.

5.22 The Borough’s Scheduled Ancient Monuments are generally in more peripheral and rural parts of Dartford. The greatest concentration of the

Borough’s Listed Buildings (28%) are in the neighbouring villages of Southfleet, Betsham and Westwood, in the Green Belt. Southfleet also hosts half

of the Conservation Areas, although the other three are more accessible and at the heart of larger communities, with Dartford Town Centre hosting

the Borough’s most sizeable Conservation Area.

5.23 English Heritage data reveals five concerning Buildings at Risk in the Borough, which the planning system should address if relevant development is

proposed:

47

Chart 11: Buildings at Risk

Name Church of St Mary, Rectory Road

Springhead Roman site Palaeolithic sites near Baker's Hole

Roman enclosure south east of Vagniacae

Parish Stone Southfleet Swanscombe and Greenhithe

Southfleet

Designation Listed Place of Worship grade I

Scheduled Monument Scheduled Monument Scheduled Monument

Condition Poor Extensive significant problems

Generally unsatisfactory with major localised problems

Extensive significant problems

Principal vulnerability N/A Arable ploughing Scrub/ tree growth Arable ploughing

Trend N/A Declining Declining Declining

Owner type Religious organisation Private Commercial company Private

5.24 Positively, a number of Buildings at Risk that featured previously are no longer noted.

5.25 There are also prominent examples of heritage assets that have been restored and made more available for general enjoyment. This includes within

residential development (such as Ingress Abbey) and in other circumstances, for example opening up access to Acacia Hall at Central Park, Dartford,

and traditional coppicing at Darenth Woods.

48

Summary of performance against Environmental objectives


(5) An accessible and enticing

Thames Waterfront with a high

quality built and natural

environment, offering a range of

leisure and recreational

opportunities.

Major improvement to the Thames-side environment will be delivered through sensitively-designed and new

development featuring active uses and recreation and other facilities to support the new communities. Prospects

for the future are positive, particularly with the possibility of major leisure-led ‘London Paramount’ development

at Swanscombe peninsula which additionally sensitively conserves and enhances existing natural environment

features. .

Looking at the natural environment more widely, Indicator 13 does not raise major concern over the condition of

key national (SSSI) sites and moreover further work is being undertaken in the wider area to evaluate the impact

growing recreation demands and other implications of growth on European designated sites, including major

Estuarine habitats in the sub-region. However Indicator 15 demonstrates there remain some grounds for concern

at access to some heritage assets, and the management of certain historic sites at riverside communities and other

locations; however opportunities have grown to appreciate heritage assets in various parts of the Borough.

(6) A green borough that is resilient Dartford’s strategic development is planned to enhance the greenness of the borough, re-using despoiled/

to the effects of climate change and brownfield land to provide green infrastructure along with other uses. Indicator 10 shows the success to date of

offers a high quality of life, with an minimising the take of greenfield land for housing.

enhanced network of landscaped Progress in providing green connections since 2013 has included the provision of a Fastrack and pedestrian link

paths, cycle routes, open spaces and from Greenhithe to Ingress Abbey development by the River Thames at Greenhithe. , Similarly as reported in

biodiversity habitats and corridors, Indicator 12, continued development at The Bridge, Dartford has helped link inland of the River Thames with

and with links to the countryside and greenspace beyond, significantly enhancing connections for cyclists and pedestrians.

49

the Thames. The Council is working with the Greater London Authority, Kent County Council and Sustrans to enable a new

crossing of the River Darenth to enable connection of the Thames River path between Bexley London Borough and

Dartford.

(7) The character of villages and Indicator 11 shows that planning permissions in 2013/14 avoided allowing uses and development that are

countryside in the Green Belt generally inappropriate in the Green Belt. There are prospects for this to be maintained, not least supported

protected and enhanced and through the prominence given to Green Belt protection in current government pronouncements.

providing contrast with the urban

area.

(10) A sustainable borough leading The most significant scope for major contributions in sustainable design and construction are at large-scale

the way with energy and water developments. Many of these sites in Dartford already have permission over their key principles but the

efficient buildings, widespread use of opportunity to deliver sustainable features has yet to occur. Indicator 14 nevertheless suggests potentially

renewable energy and well-adapted improving performance in Code for Sustainable Homes accreditation, with an above county average performance

to climate change. as measured through the volume of Design Stage certificates.

Overall carbon emissions have reduced over past years in Dartford, although for the last year of data they

increased. Traffic is major influence on Dartford’s performance in this respect (see Indicator 5).

50

Appendices

Appendix A

Policies ‘saved’ from 1995 (i.e. those not deleted by the Secretary of State1) are as follows:

From the ‘Strategy’, ‘Employment and Economic Development’, ‘Population and Housing’, and ‘Derelict and Despoiled Land’ chapters: S4, S6,

E10, E13, E14, H9, H12, H13, H14, H15, DL1 & DL4.

From the ‘Retailing’, ‘Recreation and Tourism’ ‘Transport’, Community Facilities and Public Utilities’ and ‘Dartford Town Centre’ chapters: R3, R6,

R9, RT14, RT15, RT16, RT17, RT18, RT19, T16, T18, T19, T20, T21, T23, T27, T28, T33, T34, CF5, CF6, CF11, CF12 & TC2.

From the ‘Countryside’, ‘Villages’ and ‘Built Environment’ chapters: C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C7, C11, C12, C13, C14, C15, C16, C17, V1, V2, V4, V5, B1, B3,

B5, B6, B7, B8, B9, B10, B11, B12, B13, B14 & B16.

Applicable parts of the:

o Proposals Map (this remains the current Policies Map, alongside changes brought in through Appendix 5 of the Core Strategy), and

o Appendices from 1995 (8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 19, 20, 21)

51

Appendix B

By the end of the calendar year 2014, specific Duty to Cooperate meetings had been held with the following on the Development Policies Plan:

Adjoining Kent LPAs and Kent County Council

Environment Agency

Highways Agency.

The following table summarises the influence of cooperation:

Group of Issues Core Strategy Objectives

DP Plan Policy numbers

Management Arrangements [governance / groups /channels]

Cooperation & Outcomes for Current Planning Policy

Communities and

1,2 1,3,4,7,9, 10,21

Major sites and CIL KCC-DBC liaison meetings.

Updated approach to infrastructure delivery eg policy DP21 proposal.

Infrastructure Bi-annual tri-party Highways meeting

Informed DP plan’s role in Core Strategy / major sites delivery (and DP3/4).

Kent County G&T liaison group

Study produced: the basis of policy DP10.

Jobs, Shops & Leisure

3,4,8 14-20 Town Centre Projects Group

Informed evaluation in the new draft shopping study, and policies DP14-18.

Health & Wellbeing Group

Informed policy DP19 on clustering of uses such as takeaways.

Environmental 5,6,7,10 2, 5, 6, 8, 11-13, 22-25

North Kent Environmental Planning Group

Producing evidence informing Local Plans, including context for Core Strategy implementation through the Development Policies plan and infrastructure planning.

Multiple meetings were held on delivering Dartford’s Local Plan with each of the following partners:

NHS/CCG

52

North Kent Environmental Planning Group

Kent Gypsies and Travellers Duty to Cooperate Meetings

The Council is also engaging in cooperation in relation to proposals emerging from outside Dartford, and in 2014 was involved in meetings on the following:

Strategic planning in and around London – Dartford is the LPA participant in the Strategic Spatial Planning Officers Liaison Group chaired by the GLA.

Gravesham Core Strategy EiP participation

Thurrock emerging plan involvement

Bromley LB emerging plan early involvement

Potential West Kent SHMA participation

Potential North Kent SHMA participation

The Council is also an active participant on the following ongoing meetings:

The family of meetings involving the CLG, Gravesham Borough Council and others on the formation of the Ebbsfleet UDC

Kent Planning Officers Group (chaired by the LPAs) and Kent Planning Policy Forum (chaired by Kent County Council).

Dartford Borough Council – Kent County Council Major Sites & Infrastructure Liaison meetings.

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