Residents will be invited to have their say on the district’s Local Plan which helps shape future development in the area up to 2040.
A series of in-person and online events will be held as part of the seven-week public consultation, which launches on Friday, October 21 and runs until Friday, December 9.
The Local Plan sets out the vision and framework for future development, including where new homes, shops and businesses should be built.
Sites across the district have been allocated for new housing, including in south Aylesham, Whitfield and Elvington/Eythorne. Land has also been earmarked for employment opportunities.
The important document also includes policies to ensure infrastructure is provided to support new development, to protect and enhance the natural environment, and to mitigate and adapt to climate change.
Last night (Wednesday, October 13), Dover district councillors approved the submission version of the Local Plan and the next stage is the public consultation.
Public exhibition events will be at the following locations:
- Tuesday, November 1, from 3-7pm at Aylesham Welfare Leisure Centre
- Friday, November 4, from 3-7pm at Dover Youth Hub, Deal
- Tuesday, November 8, from 12-3pm on Microsoft Teams Live
- Wednesday, November 9, from 3-7pm at The Gallery, Sandwich Guildhall
- Wednesday, November 16, from 1-5pm at St Mary’s Parish Centre, Dover
- Tuesday, November 22, from 6-8pm on Microsoft Teams Live
The Local Plan and all supporting documents will be available at www.doverdistrictlocalplan.co.uk on Friday, October 21, when the consultation portal will also open, allowing residents to comment. In preparation you can sign up to the consultation portal now at https://dover-consult.objective.co.uk/kse
Following the public consultation, the submission version will be sent to the Planning Inspectorate alongside the responses received.
The Inspectorate will then carry out independent examination of the Plan in public.
Cllr Trevor Bartlett, Leader of Dover District Council, said: “The Local Plan is a hugely important document which will shape how the district will look in the future.
“It addresses where we build new housing which in turn secures vital community facilities. The Plan also includes policies on climate change and how we can protect and enhance the natural, built and historic environment of the district.
“It is crucial that residents have their say so they can help in creating a sustainable development framework which will meet the needs of the growing population of the district over the next 18 years.”
Printed copies of the Plan can be read at the council offices, White Cliffs Business Park, Whitfield and at all public libraries in the district. For full library opening times call 03000 413131.
Posted on 13 October 2022