Public Asked for Views on Modifications to Local Plan

A public consultation opens today (11 April) giving residents the chance to have their say on modifications to the Dover District Local Plan. 

In March 2023, Dover District Council submitted its Local Plan to the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities for independent examination.  

Public examination hearings were then held late last year, led by Government-appointed Planning Inspectors. 

Following these hearings, Inspectors have now recommended a number of Main Modifications to make the Plan ‘sound’ and these are available to view here www.doverdistrictlocalplan.co.uk/news. A six-week consultation opens today until 5pm on Friday, 24 May during which time the public is invited to have a say on these Main Modifications, in addition to other supporting document updates. 

Residents are only able to comment on the Main Modifications to the plan at this stage. Comments and representations made in the previous Local Plan consultations already form part of the evidence and do not need to be resubmitted. 

A summary of the Main Modifications proposed is available with the consultation documents. Hard copies of all the documents are also available at the council offices in Whitfield and at the district’s libraries.  

Following the closure of this consultation, DDC will forward all comments to the Planning Inspectors for their consideration.  

Once the Inspectors have considered the responses, and all the evidence presented throughout the examination, they will determine whether the Local Plan is ‘sound’ and produce a written report outlining their final recommendations. 

For full details please see the Local Plan webpage www.doverdistrictlocalplan.co.uk/news. 

Notes to editors 

The Local Plan sets out the vision, strategic objectives and development strategy for the growth of the district over the period to 2040.  

It provides the planning policy framework to guide the future development of the area, addressing needs and opportunities for housing, the economy, community facilities and infrastructure.  

It is also the basis for conserving and enhancing the natural and historic environment, mitigating and adapting to climate change, and achieving well designed places.