Councillors voted to formally adopt the Dover District Local Plan during a full council meeting last night (16 October).

It follows confirmation from the Government’s Independent Planning Inspectors that the Plan is ‘sound’, subject to modifications.

Last night’s decision is a milestone for the district, with the Local Plan now in place to set the development strategy for the growth of the district up to 2040 and to provide the planning policy framework to guide future development.

Importantly, it identifies sites to help deliver the 11,000 new homes needed up to 2040, with policies to ensure the right community facilities are provided, too. Economic growth is focused towards the White Cliffs Business Park and Discovery Park. Infrastructure requirements, including improvements to the Whitfield and Duke of York roundabouts, will need to be delivered to support growth.

The district’s Local Plan has been through a comprehensive and lengthy process, with significant public and stakeholder consultation over the last six years.

Now adopted, it will provide stability for decision-making and support high quality employment, housing and tourism to secure investment and support infrastructure.

The Plan will also ensure the natural and built environment is protected and enhanced, and the character of the district’s towns and villages are preserved, while allowing for growth and sensitive change.

DDC leader Cllr Kevin Mills said: “We are delighted that, after years of hard work and public input, we have formally adopted our Local Plan.

“I would like to say thank you to everyone who got involved in the consultation process and took part in the public hearings.

“This helped us to put together a bold and robust Plan, which is integral in shaping growth and change in our district.

“We want to create a district that is a leading destination to live, work, visit, learn and invest and the Local Plan plays a central role in this.

“Our Local Plan has the policies in place to ensure we provide the homes people need and can afford, along with the supporting infrastructure and community facilities.

“It also has new policies on climate change and the natural environment, to make our district greener and healthier for everyone.”

To read the Local Plan go to https://www.doverdistrictlocalplan.co.uk