Planning in Folkestone and Hythe

Central Folkestone Strategy

New development in central Folkestone should deliver investment in the daytime and evening economy through a mix of commercial, cultural, entertainment and educational uses and contribute to public realm improvements that enhance the physical environment/sense of security, and improve connectivity both to and within the Town Centre, in line with policies SS4 and SS5. Within the Central/West Development Arc there are opportunities for mixed-use development providing major new office and retail businesses or other services that will contribute to the wider regeneration of Folkestone and the district, particularly at the bus station site and at Guildhall Street, Gloucester Place and Shellons Street and, in the long-term, the redevelopment of the Sainsbury's store and adjacent areas at Bouverie Place West. Residential development may be supported, provided it delivers genuinely mixed-use development or it enables the full commercial potential of the area to be realised. Furthermore: New development should be of very high-quality design that contributes to and improves the existing character and townscape of the area. It is appropriate for development to support delivery of public realm and transport improvements within and to the north of the arc. Development will need where appropriate to detail the delivery of measures, or contribute to improvements in, skills/training in nearby deprived areas. The Seafront/Creative Quarter Enterprise Zone provides major opportunities for development to contribute to strategic needs and to upgrade the fabric of the town, drawing from its past and potential sense of place: Further development by the charitable sector and others through conversion and re-use of derelict land promoting cultural, educational uses, visitor attractions, and other small-scale active uses will be encouraged. Principles relating to creative enterprise zones will be applied to the Creative Quarter to intensify use for creative and digital industries to ensure no net erosion of space. Within this arc development must maximise wider benefits to the Town Centre through improved connectivity and transport links and providing uses that attract pedestrian footfall, and proposals within the boundary set out in the Policies Map must be in accordance with policy SS10 (Folkestone Seafront). Across these arcs, and within central or deprived places in the town, development bringing investment for schools, new education and training provision and workforce development measures that increase the skills attainment of local people in priority economic sectors will be acceptable.

Hythe Strategy

Hythe should develop as the high-quality residential, business, service, retail and tourist centre for the central district in line with the vision in paragraph 3.15. All new development, including that on the former Nickolls Quarry site (identified in Figure 5.6), should respect the historic character of the town and the established grain of the settlement in line with the place-shaping principles set out in policy SS3. Development should contribute to the priorities for investment in the town which include: a. Attracting additional employment to the town, especially in the town centre or in deprived urban communities in west Hythe, including by sustaining demand and labour supply in the local population. b. Upgrading the stock of business accommodation and the environment of employment areas, and regenerating the appearance and sense of security of west Hythe. c. Developing new/expanded primary and secondary schools to improve educational attainment, and where appropriate, the delivery of improvements in skills/training in nearby deprived areas. d. Expanding and upgrading of tourism accommodation and visitor and leisure attractions. e. Investing in strategic flood defences to protect residents and the Hythe Ranges. f. Delivering public realm improvements in the High Street and town centre: i. improving the setting of historic buildings and the Royal Military Canal; ii. increasing the ability of shoppers, visitors and residents to access and circulate along the main retail frontage g. Aiming for a convenient, flexible and integrated public transport system, with improvements to services to the west and north of the town, better linking in the town centre and coastal bus routes to railway stations or development in western Hythe.

Place-Shaping and Sustainable Settlements Strategy

Development within the district is directed towards existing sustainable settlements and a new sustainable garden settlement south of the M20 near Westenhanger to protect the open countryside and the coastline, in accordance with policy SS1. Change in settlements will be managed to contribute to their role within the settlement hierarchy (Table 4.4) and local place-shaping objectives, to promote the creation of sustainable, vibrant and distinct communities. The principle of development is likely to be acceptable on previously developed land within defined settlements, provided it is not of high environmental value. All development must also meet the following requirements: a. The proposed development should not be of a size, scale and nature that is disproportionate to the level of services which the settlement is capable of providing and should preserve the character of the settlement and maintain its status in the settlement hierarchy. b. For development located within zones identified by the Environment Agency (EA) as being at risk from flooding, or at risk of wave over-topping in immediate proximity to the coastline (within 30 metres of the crest of the sea wall or equivalent), site-specific evidence will be required in the form of a detailed flood risk assessment. This will need to demonstrate that the proposal is safe and meets with the sequential approach within the applicable character area (Urban Area, Romney Marsh Area or North Downs Area), and where applicable, the exception tests set out in national policy utilising the current applicable Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (SFRA). A site-specific flood risk assessment may be required for other sources of flood risk as identified within EA surface water flood mapping. Development must also meet the following criteria as applicable: i) no residential development, other than replacement dwellings, should take place within areas identified at "extreme risk" as shown on the SFRA 2115 climate change hazard maps; ii) all applications for replacement dwellings, should, via detailed design and the incorporation of flood resilient construction measures, reduce the risk to life of occupants and seek provisions to improve flood risk management; and iii) strategic-scale development proposals should be sequentially justified against district-wide site alternatives c. A design-led and sustainable access approach should be taken to density and layout, ensuring development is suited to the locality and its needs, and transport infrastructure (particularly walking/cycling). Efficient use should be made of central land in town centres or in easy walking distance of rail and bus stations, with appropriate redevelopment of complementary uses above ground floor retail, leisure or other active uses, to directly support the vitality of centres. d. Proposals should be designed to contribute to local place-shaping and sustainable development by: i) preserving and wherever possible enhancing statutory and non-statutory listed buildings, monuments and conservation areas and other key historic features of conservation interest and their setting; and ii) including sustainable construction measures, measures to optimise water efficiency and (in cases of new-build development), measures to optimise energy usage from renewable and low carbon sources. e. Development must address social and economic needs in the neighbourhood and not result in the loss of community, cultural, voluntary or social facilities (unless it has been demonstrated that there is no longer a need or alternative social/community facilities are made available in a suitable location).

New Garden Settlement - Sustainability and Healthy New Town Principles

(1) A sustainable new town a. Development shall be guided by an energy strategy. The strategy shall demonstrate how best practice in energy conservation and generation will be achieved at both the micro- and macro-level in homes and commercial buildings. The strategy shall include the potential for a site-wide heat and power network and decentralised energy networks, taking into account the AONB and its setting; b. All new build housing shall be built to water efficiency standards that exceed the current building regulations so as to achieve a maximum use of 110 litres per person per day of potable water (including external water use). The development shall be informed by a Water Cycle Strategy which includes detail of: i. Water efficiency, and demand management measures to be implemented to minimise water use and maximise the recycling and reuse of water resources (i.e. through the use of 'grey' water) across the settlement, utilising integrated water management solutions; ii. The need to maintain the integrity of water quality, how it will be protected and improved, and how the development complies with the Water Framework Directive; iii. Surface water management measures to avoid increasing, and where possible to reduce, flood risk through the use of Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS); and iv. Water services infrastructure requirements and their delivery having regard to Policy CSD5, and as agreed with the relevant statutory providers, and the Environment Agency's guidance on Water Cycle Studies; c. All proposed development will have to satisfy the requirements of policy CSD5 (d). in order to avoid any significant impact on the water quality of the Stodmarsh European designated sites; d. For non-residential development, development shall achieve BREEAM 'excellent' standard including addressing maximum water efficiencies under the mandatory water credits; e. The energy strategy shall demonstrate how the development takes a fabric-first approach, makes the maximum use of passive solar gain, as well as energy generation from the latest technologies in and on buildings and structures. All community buildings shall seek to meet zero carbon standards as exemplars, with an aspiration for the development to achieve carbon neutrality; f. The energy strategy shall demonstrate how the settlement will meet the government's commitment to ban all new petrol and diesel cars and vans by 2040 and include measures from the outset for all properties to have ready access to slow, fast and rapid electric charging points; with integration of technologies into work places, community buildings, car parks and infrastructure to facilitate the transition to electric vehicles and provide appropriate charging facilities for electric bus provision at the transport hub; g. The application shall be accompanied by a site-wide waste strategy that demonstrate how a significant reduction in household waste and an increase in recycling rates will be delivered in comparison with the average across the county. Internal and external storage for recycling and waste shall be provided for all homes and businesses; h. Construction and landforming of the settlement shall be soil neutral to avoid any importing or exporting of earth; i. Proposals will be accompanied by a minerals assessment which includes information concerning the availability of minerals within the site, their scarcity, the timescale for the development and the practicality and viability of the prior extraction of any identified mineral resources. Reference should be made to 'Safeguarding Supplementary Planning Document' (KCC, 2017) and 'Minerals Safeguarding in England: Good Practice Advice' (British Geological Survey, 2011); and j. Proposals shall set out measures for the remediation of contaminated land. The assessment of contaminated land should be phased, starting with a Phase 1 Investigation (or Desk Study) the results of which will determine the requirement for a Phase 2 Investigation (intrusive investigation), which will in turn determine any requirement for a Remediation Strategy and Verification Report. (2) A healthy new town a. Proposals shall create a vibrant, healthy place to live by promoting physical activity and more active lifestyles for all age groups, facilitating community building. Preventative health care measures shall include: i. The provision of high quality public open spaces that are easily accessible for all age groups; ii. Noise and air pollution mitigation measures such as distance buffers between the M20/High Speed 1 transport corridor and the development, incorporating landscaping within the buffers designed to integrate with the wider green infrastructure network; iii. The design of streets and spaces shall encourage community outdoor activities including play and meeting places and the provision of tactile public art, with homes orientated to encourage informal overlooking. Provision should be made for elderly people through the careful consideration of access, mobility, facilities, shelter and seating, with opportunity given for intergenerational activity; and iv. Sustainable access and transport shall be promoted in accordance with Policy SS7(6); b. Allotments and community orchards for local food growing shall be provided on fertile land with safe and convenient access from all residential neighbourhoods; and c. In lower density areas generous gardens should be provided as part of an appropriate mix of housing, alongside high quality communal spaces. In higher density areas where larger gardens are not feasible, new homes should have access to an allotment or community orchard within 800m (10 minutes' walk).

Rural and Tourism Development

Proposals for new development in locations outside the settlements identified in the settlement hierarchy may be allowed if a rural or coastal location is essential, or to protect or enhance green infrastructure assets in line with Policy CSD4. Development in these locations will be acceptable in principle if for: a. Affordable housing (rural exceptions in accordance with CSD1, or allocated sites); b. Accommodation to provide for an essential need for a rural worker (including a person who is in majority control of a farm business) to live permanently at or near their place of work in the countryside; c. Agriculture, forestry or equine development; d. Sustainable rural diversification, and tourism enterprises as set out below; e. Local public or essential services and community facilities in line with policies SS3/4; f. Replacement buildings (on a like-for-like basis) and the subdivision of existing residential dwellings; g. The re-use of a redundant or disused building and the enhancement of its immediate setting; h. Building conversions that contribute to the character of their location; i. Sustainable rural transport improvements; j. Essential flood defences or strategic coastal recreation; or k. Development that makes optimal viable use of a heritage asset or would be appropriate enabling development to secure the future of a heritage asset. To maintain the sustainability of rural communities, the loss of community facilities (including local shops, meeting places, sports venues, open space, cultural buildings, public houses and places of worship) in any village will be resisted unless appropriately demonstrated to be unviable in line with Places and Policies Local Plan Policy C2. Tourist, recreation and rural economic uses will be appropriately protected and new development allowed within defined settlements in the settlement hierarchy. Where sites are unavailable within settlements – and development is proportionate in scale/impact and also accessible by a choice of means of transport – it may also be acceptable on the edge of Strategic Towns and Service Centres, and failing that, Rural Centres and Primary Villages. Rural economic development must be consistent with the green infrastructure (GI) and coastal and water environment principles set out in Policies CSD4 and CSD5.

Green Infrastructure of Natural Networks, Open Spaces and Recreation

1. The council will require development proposals over their lifetime: i. To provide net gains in biodiversity at least to comply with statutory and/or national policy requirements (assuming no residual loss); ii. To demonstrate that they protect and enhance valued landscapes, sites of biodiversity or geological value and soils, commensurate to their status and quality; iii. So far as possible, to deliver improvements in green infrastructure (GI) assets in the district and ensure positive management of areas of high landscape quality or high costal/recreational potential identified in the Green Infrastructure Report (2011) (or any updates to this report). 2. Green infrastructure will be protected and enhanced and the loss of GI uses will not be allowed, other than where demonstrated to be in full accordance with national policy, or a significant quantitative or qualitative net GI benefit is realised or it is clearly demonstrated that the aims of this strategy are furthered and outweigh its impact on GI. Moreover: i. The highest level of protection in accordance with statutory requirements will be given to protecting the integrity of sites of international nature conservation importance; ii. A high level of protection will be given to nationally designated sites (Sites of Special Scientific Interest and Ancient Woodland) where development will avoid any significant impact; iii. Appropriate and proportionate protection will be given to habitats that support higher-level designations, and sub-national and locally designated wildlife/geological sites to include Local Wildlife Sites (LWS), Kent Biodiversity Action Plan habitats, and other sites of nature conservation interest; iv. Planning decisions will have close regard to the need for conservation and enhancement of landscape and scenic beauty in the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), which will be given the highest status of protection in relation to these issues. Development within the setting of the AONB should be sensitively located and avoid or minimise adverse impacts on the AONB. Elsewhere development must not jeopardise the protection and enhancement of the district's distinctive and diverse local landscapes, and must reflect the need for attractive and high-quality open spaces throughout the district; and v. Planning applications will need to be supported by ecological surveys, mitigation strategies (when required) and enhancement plans, in order to follow and apply the mitigation hierarchy, as appropriate. 3. The GI network shown in Figure 5.2 and identified in supporting evidence, and other strategic open space, will be managed with a focus on: i. Adapting to and managing climate change effects; ii. Protecting and enhancing biodiversity and access to nature, particularly in green corridors and other GI strategic opportunities in Figure 5.2, with appropriate management of public access (including the Sustainable Access and Recreation Management Strategy for Dungeness and together with a strategic approach to the international sites as detailed above); and also avoiding development which results in significant fragmentation or isolation of natural habitats; iii. Identifying opportunities to expand the GI functions of greenspaces and their contribution to a positive sense of place (including enhancements to public open spaces and outdoor sports facilities); and iv. Tackling network and qualitative deficiencies in the most accessible, or ecologically or visually important GI elements, including improving the GI strategic fringe zones in Figure 5.2 through landscape improvements or developing corridors with the potential to better link greenspaces and settlements.

Water and Coastal Environmental Management

Development should contribute to sustainable water resource management which maintains or improves the quality and quantity of surface and ground water bodies, and where applicable, the quality of the coastal environment and bathing waters. This will be achieved by protecting or enhancing natural water reserves through sustainable design and construction, managing development in relation to wastewater infrastructure, and promoting long-term resilience to climatic pressures on the coast and water systems. Proposals must be designed to contribute to the maintenance of a sustainable supply of water resources in the district; the achievement of water management plans for the district; and the maintenance of coastal ecological habitats (through seeking to avoid the inhibition of natural coastal processes). Development will be permitted where the following criteria are met: a. All developments should incorporate water efficiency measures appropriate to the scale and nature of the use proposed. Planning applications for the construction of new dwellings should include specific design features and demonstrate a maximum level of usage to meet the higher water efficiency standard under Regulation 36(3) of the Building Regulations to achieve a maximum use of 110 litres per person per day (including external water use). Proposals should demonstrate that water efficiency and water re-use measures have been maximised and should seek to significantly exceed this standard. b. For non-residential development, the development achieves BREEAM 'excellent' standard addressing maximum water efficiencies under the mandatory water credits, where technically feasible and viable; c. New buildings and dwellings must be delivered in line with wastewater capacity, and designed so as to ensure that, in relation to greenfield development, peak rate of surface water runoff from the site is not increased above the existing greenfield surface water runoff rate, incorporating appropriate sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) where feasible and water management features, with full consideration given to integration of water management. The quality of water passed on to watercourses and the sea must be maintained or improved, and flood risk must not be increased by developments within the district; and d. Development which could have an impact on water quality in the Stodmarsh European-designated sites through increased nutrient levels from wastewater discharges will be required to provide evidence of nutrient impacts through a nutrient budget approach at the point of submission of the planning application. This requirement will apply to development within the Stour Operational Catchment, or within the catchment areas of Wastewater Treatment Works discharging into the Stour Operational Catchment, as identified on the Policies Map. Planning permission will only be granted if: i. The applicant can demonstrate, subject to meeting the tests of the Habitat Regulations, that the development would not have a significant effect on the Stodmarsh European sites either alone or in combination with other plans and projects; and ii. The applicant can demonstrate that the development will provide all requisite mitigation measures to avoid any likely significant effect on the Stodmarsh European sites as may be necessary through a Design and Implementation Plan. The Design and Implementation Plan will set out the proposed nutrient neutrality mitigation measures, how the measures will be implemented and how they will be secured for the lifetime of the development. This plan will be required to be submitted to and approved by the Council before planning permission can be granted. The mitigation measures in the Design and Implementation Plan shall be secured by planning condition or planning obligation as appropriate. Water reserves and the coastal environment will be maintained and enhanced through the council working with partners to manage development and upgrade water infrastructure and quality, and through green infrastructure provisions (policy CSD4).

New Garden Settlement - Masterplanning Principles

(1) Green Infrastructure Network a. A network of high quality Green Infrastructure shall be created within and around the settlement, which retains and enhances existing habitats, protected species and their ecological connections, through the retention of existing woodland and hedgerows and the creation of new habitats in accordance with Policy DM5 and Policy DM13. b. Within this network, fields and sports provision, play areas, informal open spaces, allotments and woodland located to maximise use and meet the sporting, leisure and recreational needs of the garden settlement as informed by the council's Playing Pitch and Sports Facilities Strategies. vi. Publicly accessible, well-managed and high quality open spaces, which are linked to the open countryside and adjoining settlements. This shall be informed by an access strategy that seeks to protect and enhance existing public rights of way, and create new public rights of way. The strategy shall balance demands for public access with ecological and landscape protection, taking into account the impacts of increased access on the Kent Downs AONB and Folkestone to Etchinghill Escarpment Special Area of Conservation and other protected areas, which might necessitate the need for mitigation to be secured. vii. Sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) to maximise landscape and biodiversity value and to avoid any increase in, and where possible reduce, downstream flooding of the East Stour River, developed as part of an integrated water management solution. viii. A long-term security and management plan of the Green Infrastructure estate which ensures community involvement and custodianship. (2) A vibrant town centre a. A town centre shall be created, of higher density housing and town centre uses to act as a focal point to the settlement, providing for a mix of employment opportunities at the heart of the garden settlement. The town centre shall be planned so that it is within easy walking distance of the station and located within an area of higher density housing to increase its vitality and viability. Higher density mixed-use development with several storeys of residential use above commercial premises will be appropriate in the town centre. b. Food shopping (convenience retail) shall be provided within the town centre to allow choice and variety as well as reducing the need to travel for day-to-day needs. The Retail and Leisure Need Assessment (June 2019 update) indicates that the new garden settlement can support up to 4,284sqm (gross) of convenience retail floorspace within the plan period to 2037. A range of other shopping floorspace (comparison retail) shall also be provided to create a vibrant town centre. The Retail and Leisure Need Assessment (June 2019 update) indicates that the new garden settlement can support up to 9,108sqm (gross) of comparison retail floorspace within the plan period. A mix of other town centre uses should be provided, including food and beverage space (up to 3,305sqm gross) and non-retail and financial and professional services (approximately 3,300sqm gross). The stated floorspace projections by use class type (baseline values) as drawn from the Retail and Leisure Need Assessment (June 2019 update) are to represent the upper limit of floorspace provision within the garden settlement across the plan period, so that it only meets the needs generated by the development itself. Should any phase of development propose a provision of floorspace that, when considered cumulatively to take account of the total floorspace provision across the garden settlement, would lead to the exceedance of one or more of the floorspace values stated within this policy, or if any individual comparison retail unit were to exceed 500sqm gross floorspace, then the promoter shall have to submit an impact assessment to demonstrate that there would be no significant impacts on the vitality and viability (including local consumer choice and trade) of nearby local village centres and other town centres including Folkestone, Hythe, New Romney, Dover and Ashford, by the scale and/or phasing of town centre development. c. Street level frontages in the centre shall be active frontages that open up to public spaces to promote activity throughout the day and into the evening. Indoor and outdoor eating and drinking places and an adaptable town square shall be provided, designed to accommodate outdoor markets and public events. (3) Village neighbourhoods a. The town centre shall be closely integrated with village neighbourhoods, reflecting garden town principles, easily accessible by walking and cycling links to the town centre and each other. b. Neighbourhoods and the town centre shall be connected by a legible network of active streets, footways, cycle ways and open spaces. c. Each neighbourhood centre will include a primary school, pre-school nursery, food (convenience) shopping, open space, recreational and community facilities in the first phase of its development. d. Each neighbourhood shall be designed to have its own distinctive identity, to create a special character within the unique setting of the Kent Downs. (4) A high quality townscape a. Neighbourhoods, buildings and spaces within the settlement shall be planned to create a unique and distinctive character, taking advantage of long-range and local views to create interest and drawing on the historic character and grain of the area. b. Design codes shall be drawn up to guide all phases of development with the participation of the local community. The codes should establish the parameters for achieving the highest standards of urban design, architecture and landscaping. c. A high quality palette of building materials will be used throughout, drawing on a thorough understanding of local distinctiveness, landscape, local materials and tone. Building materials, landscaping, including the use of mature trees, and design should be of a consistently high quality regardless of tenure. d. Modern methods of construction will be encouraged where high standards of design, durability and sustainability can be demonstrated. e. External lighting should be designed to support the aims of the Kent Downs Management Plan on Dark Skies and the Institution of Lighting Professionals (ILP) Guidance Notes for the Reduction of Light Pollution, to ensure the impact of lighting is minimised and that the most efficient technology is used. (5) Enhanced heritage assets a. A heritage strategy shall be agreed that identifies how the development will conserve and enhance local heritage assets and their setting, including the Grade I listed Scheduled Monument of Westenhanger Castle (and its associated barns, stables and outbuildings), the Grade II listed Otterpool Manor Farm and Upper Otterpool and any other designated or non-designated heritage assets identified. The application shall be supported by a detailed heritage strategy, setting out how the long term, viable use of heritage assets will be established and where necessary providing mechanisms for their integration into the development. The Heritage Strategy shall be informed by a Conservation Management Plan (CMP) setting out the management and re-use of the site in relation to Westenhanger Castle, Manor and Barns. The implementation of the Heritage Strategy and undertaking of works on site with potential to affect heritage assets will need careful management; consideration should be given to appointing a Historic Environment Clerk of Works to fulfil this role. b. The heritage strategy should include an archaeology strategy, with an initial archaeological assessment guiding archaeological works and to inform decisions about preservation in situ or investigation. The archaeology strategy should then be kept under active review. c. The provision of public art should be an integral part of the heritage strategy. d. Westenhanger Castle and its setting shall become a focal point for the new settlement that informs its character. The development shall provide an enhanced setting for the Castle, including generous public open space through the delivery of a new park, and shall protect key historic views. Proposals shall explore the opportunity to recreate the historic southern approach to the Castle and provide mechanisms for its integration with the development. e. Other archaeological and heritage assets will be evaluated, conserved and, where appropriate, enhanced. Proposals must include an appropriate description of the significance of any heritage assets that may be affected, including the contribution of their setting. f. Proposals should explore the potential for: i. Renovating the existing buildings and barns to conserve the heritage assets at Westenhanger Castle and improve the setting of the building. ii. Providing space for appropriate sustainable uses for the asset and its setting. iii. Enhancing and positively contributing to the conservation of all relevant heritage assets both within and outside the allocation boundary, such as the setting of Lympne Castle and the Lympne Conservation Area where appropriate. (6) Sustainable access and movement a. The development shall be underpinned by a movement strategy which prioritises walking, cycling and access to public transport and demonstrates how this priority has informed the design of the new settlement. All homes shall be within 800 metres/10 minutes walk of a local neighbourhood centre with an aspiration that all homes are within 400 metres/5 minutes walk of such facilities. b. Development shall incorporate smart infrastructure to provide real-time and mobile-enabled public transport information in accordance with smart town principles (Policy SS9 (2)). c. The capacity of M20 junction 11 shall be upgraded and other key junctions on the road network will be redesigned and improved in partnership with Highways England and Kent County Council. d. A permeable network of tree-lined streets, lanes, pathways, bridleways, cycleways and spaces will be created that provides connections between neighbourhoods, the town centre, employment opportunities and public transport facilities. Footpaths, cycleways and bridleways should link to existing public rights of way, nearby villages and the wider countryside, including the North Downs Way and the SUSTRANS national cycle route network, taking account of the findings of the access strategy (Policy SS7 (1)) on sensitive habitats. e. Road infrastructure should be designed for a low speed environment, with priority given to pedestrians and cyclists through the use of shared space in ultra low speed environments and dedicated cycle routes and separate pedestrian walkways where appropriate in line with Kent Design guidance. The use of grade separations, roundabouts, highway furniture and highway signage should be minimised. f. A parking strategy shall be developed that balances the necessity of car ownership with the need to avoid car parking that dominates the street scene to the detriment of local amenity. The parking strategy shall deliver well-designed and accessibly located cycle parking facilities within the town and neighbourhood centres, at Westenhanger Station and transport hub, as well as at employment developments. g. Westenhanger Station shall be upgraded at the earliest opportunity to provide the capacity required to enable a high speed service ready and integrated transport hub, in partnership with Network Rail, the rail operator and Kent County Council, which gives priority to pedestrians, cyclists, bus and train users. The council will continue to work with the rail operator to introduce high-speed rail services from Westenhanger to central London, subject to discussions with stakeholders. h. The existing bus network that serves the surrounding towns and villages will be upgraded and new services provided as an integral element of the transport hub and settlement. All new homes shall be within a five minute walk of a bus stop.

Sellindge Strategy

CSD9 - Sellindge Strategy a. The development shall be delivered in two phases and located on land identified as Site A and Site B in Figure 5.8 (Sellindge Strategy), with each phase delivering a suitable mix of housing types and tenures, including at least 30% affordable housing calculated across the two phases in accordance with Places and Policies Local Plan Policy HB2, and with a particular emphasis in Site A on family dwellings and self-build plots; b. The development shall provide a village green/common south of the Ashford Road (A20) to create a sense of place and provide a focal point for the community and recreation; c. A primary school expansion to include early years provision prior to occupation of the second phase and other facilities of sufficient size to meet the needs of the residents; d. Prior to the completion of the second phase, a replacement village hall to a specification that meets the prospective needs of future residents; and Prior to the commencement of development, a proportionate contribution towards the upgrading and/or expansion of existing local medical facilities or otherwise towards a new healthcare facility to meet the needs of the residents; e. The design and layout of the development shall be landscape-led and include within it structural landscaping with woodland planting to be provided on the rural edge of the development, particularly around the western boundary of Site A, to retain the rural character, and on the eastern boundary of Site B, to avoid or minimise adverse impacts on the Kent Downs AONB and views into and out of the AONB. All landscaping shall be planted at an early stage of the development and provide new habitats for priority nature conservation species. Applications shall be accompanied by a landscape and visual impact assessment that should inform the landscaping scheme and address structural and local landscape matters; f. Approximately 1,000sqm of business (B1 Class) floorspace shall be provided, achieving BREEAM 'excellent' rating; g. Proposals should protect and conserve the setting of non-designated built heritage assets such as Grove House and Potten Farm, protect and where possible enhance important historic natural heritage assets, such as hedgerows, in accordance with their particular significance; h. Any archaeological remains should be evaluated and potential impact mitigated in accordance with Places and Policies Local Plan Policy HE2; i. Provide, or contribute to, convenient and safe links within the sites and externally to ensure there is ease of access by a range of transport modes to new and existing development and facilities within the village and cycle and pedestrian access to Westenhanger Station; j. Deliver pedestrian and cycle enhancements to the A20 through informal traffic-calming features and associated highways improvement extending the principles of the Rural Masterplan; Provide noise and air pollution mitigation measures between the M20/High Speed 1 transport corridor and the built development, to integrate with structural planting and habitat creation; and k. Contribute to improvements in the local wastewater infrastructure and other utilities as required to meet the needs of the development including: i. The delivery of sewage infrastructure, in liaison with the service provider, aligned with occupation of the development; and ii. Future access to existing sewage infrastructure for maintenance and upsizing purposes.

Balanced Neighbourhoods

Development resulting in new housing (class C3) will be allowed in line with policy SS3 (optimising distinctiveness, appeal, sustainability and accessibility of places) where it contributes to the creation of balanced neighbourhoods through high-quality design proposals which address identified affordable housing needs. All housing development should include a broad range of tenures incorporating market housing for sale and affordable housing (affordable housing for rent, starter homes, discounted market sales housing and other affordable routes to home ownership including rent to buy and shared ownership), wherever practicable and subject to viability, as follows: Development proposing (or land capable of accommodating) 6 to 10 dwellings (net gain) within the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty should provide financial contributions towards the provision of affordable housing equivalent to one affordable dwelling on-site; Development proposing (or land capable of accommodating) 11 to 14 dwellings (net gain) at any location within the district should provide two affordable dwellings on-site; and Development proposing (or land of 0.5ha or more in size) 15 or more dwellings (net gain) at any location within the district should provide 22 per cent affordable dwellings on-site. For development proposing 15 or more dwellings, as a starting point approximately 70 per cent of the affordable housing to be provided shall be affordable housing for rent. For sites under this threshold, the proportion of affordable housing tenures will be negotiated on a site-by-site basis. Provision should be made on-site unless off-site provision through a financial contribution of broadly equivalent value can be robustly justified. Where a site-specific viability assessment is provided with an individual planning application and it can be demonstrated to the reasonable satisfaction of the Council that the proposed development would not be viable with the full affordable housing requirement, the Council will give consideration to allowing an appropriate level of relaxation of the requirements. Affordable housing developments will be allowed at sustainable rural settlements as an exception to policies of rural development restraint where it can be demonstrated that there is a requirement in terms of local need and the proposed site is suitable for this purpose.

District Residential Needs

Residential development and new accommodation should be designed and located in line with the spatial strategy's approach to managing demographic and labour market changes and meeting the specific requirements of vulnerable or excluded groups. Within developments of 15 or more dwellings (net gain), where viable and practical: A range of housing tenures should be provided including owner-occupied and private rented and affordable housing in accordance with CSD1. The council's Strategic Housing Market Assessment (SHMA) will be used as a starting point for determining the mix of tenures; and A range of sizes of new dwellings should be provided. As a starting point, this range should reflect the mix identified in the SHMA as follows: Tenure | Four bed + (per cent) | Two to three bed (per cent) | One bed (per cent) Owner-occupied / private rent | 15 - 30 | 65 - 70 | 5 - 20 Affordable tenures (as defined in the National Planning Policy Framework) | 20 - 25 | 50 - 60 | 20 - 25 Specialist units for older people (Class C3(b)) will be delivered primarily through strategic allocations as part of a new garden settlement in the North Downs Area (Policies SS6-SS9) and expansion at Sellindge (Policy CSD9). Elsewhere, residential accommodation providing an element of care for, or supervision of, elderly or other individuals in need of supervised care will be permitted in line with the above and where: a. It does not lead to an over-concentration of socially vulnerable people in any neighbourhood, and b. It makes a suitable contribution as necessary to the community and sustainable transport infrastructure needs associated with residents, and c. It is designed to facilitate the provision of high quality care. The accommodation needs of specific groups will be addressed on suitable sites based on evidence of local need, including appropriate provision for Gypsies, Travellers and Travelling Showpeople.

New Romney Strategy

New Romney should develop as the residential, business, service, retail and tourist centre for the Romney Marsh in line with the vision in paragraph 3.20. New development should respect the historic character of the town and the established grain of the settlement in line with the place-shaping principles set out in policy SS3. The future development of the town should support the retention of existing businesses and the attraction of new employment opportunities through the provision of an adequate supply of employment land to meet future need and through the provision of a sufficient level of new residential development to maintain an adequate labour supply. The strategy for New Romney therefore supports the following: - The enhancement of New Romney as a key market town and service centre for Romney Marsh, providing a range of services and attractions for local residents and tourists. - The provision of further employment at an expanded Mountfield Road Industrial Estate, with better vehicular and pedestrian linkages to the town centre. - A broad location for residential development to the north of the town centre. Development of the broad location should meet the following criteria: a. The development as a whole should provide around 300 dwellings (Class C3) and a range and size of residential accommodation, including 22% affordable housing, subject to viability. b. Pedestrian/cyclist linkages southwards to the town centre should be improved and prioritised from the central area of the development, in preference to linkages around the periphery of the site. c. Land proposed for residential development must have a sufficient level of internal connection through providing a new movement link through the site, appropriately designed to 20mph, and/or through a cycleway/footpath to provide a secure and attractive green corridor. d. Proposals should incorporate as necessary a minimum of 0.7ha of land for the upgrade of St Nicholas' Primary School playing facilities on a consolidated area. e. Archaeological constraints need to be examined and associated mitigation will be required to be provided at an early stage, in order to inform the masterplan, development strategy and quantum of development. f. Flooding and surface water attenuation for the overall site should be concentrated in the lowest areas of the site, recommendations of the Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (SFRA) must be followed, and measures should also provide visual and nature conservation enhancement for the benefit of the site and local community. g. Appropriate off-site mitigation measures must be identified, including to ameliorate highway impacts and manage drainage demands. The layout and design of any proposals for the remaining undeveloped two parcels of land under the broad location must take into account the potential development of the adjoining land parcel and the existing development. In particular the internal road layout of the two parcels allocated to the south-east of Cockreed Lane shall not prejudice the future delivery of a 'link' road (criterion C above) to provide a vehicular connection between the two parcels and the developed part of the broad location to the north-east. Development of the broad location must aim to integrate with the physical environment, including addressing the natural boundary which is currently defined by Cockreed Lane, as well as neighbouring previously developed land to the north east of Cockreed Lane. In addition, if the objectives of this policy cannot be met within the scope of this area, consideration may be given to land to the southwest of Ashford Road, subject to further discussions and any environmental or other constraints being addressed. Development at the town should consolidate and improve the market town/service centre function of New Romney through contributing as relevant to the public realm and other priorities for investment in the High Street in line with SS5 including: - Providing additional crossing points in the High Street to increase the ability of shoppers and visitors to circulate along the retail frontage. - Improving the setting of historic buildings and minimising the environmental impact of through traffic within the High Street. - Contributing towards community facilities required to serve the needs of the town. Development will need where appropriate to detail the delivery of measures, or contribute to improvements, in skills/training in the Romney Marsh area.

Sellindge Strategy

Land to the south and north east of Ashford Road in Sellindge forms a broad location for development to create an improved village centre with a mix of uses, a village green/common, pedestrian and cycle enhancements to Ashford Road and other community facilities together with new residential development of circa 600 dwellings. The first phase has planning permission for approximately 250 dwellings. The second phase for the remaining dwellings hereby allocated comprising Site A (land to the west of Phase 1) and Site B (land to the east of phase 1) as identified in Figure 5.8 is the subject of this policy. Planning permission will not be granted for any development pursuant of this policy unless and until the Council is satisfied that the requirements of Policy CSD5 (d). are met. Proposals for the second phase for the residential-led development should be accompanied by a masterplan for Sites A and B which shows how the sites will be integrated with Phase 1 and the existing settlement. Development shall meet all the following criteria: a. The residential development element shall not commence until the primary school extension (to 1 FE) and the Parish Council administrative accommodation to be provided in phase 1 are under construction with a programmed completion date; b. Total residential development within phase 2 of circa 350 dwellings (including Classes C2 and C3) with 22 per cent affordable housing subject to viability and a minimum of 10 per cent of dwellings designed to meet the needs of the ageing population; c. Development shall be designed to minimise water usage, as required by the Water Cycle Study. Total water use per dwelling shall not exceed 110 litres per person per day of potable water (including external water use); d. Proposals must provide: i. Prior to the commencement of development, land and an appropriate level of funding to enable the upgrading of Sellindge Primary school to 1.5 forms of entry (1.5 FE); ii. Prior to first occupation, new nursery facilities of sufficient size to meet the needs of the residents; iii. Prior to the completion of the second phase, a replacement village hall to a specification that meets the prospective needs of future residents; and iv. Prior to the commencement of development, a proportionate contribution towards the upgrading and/or expansion of existing local medical facilities or otherwise towards a new healthcare facility to meet the needs of the residents; e. The design and layout of the development shall be landscape-led and include within it structural landscaping with woodland planting to be provided on the rural edge of the development, particularly around the western boundary of Site A, to retain the rural character, and on the eastern boundary of Site B, to avoid or minimise adverse impacts on the Kent Downs AONB and views into and out of the AONB. All landscaping shall be planted at an early stage of the development and provide new habitats for priority nature conservation species. Applications shall be accompanied by a landscape and visual impact assessment that should inform the landscaping scheme and address structural and local landscape matters; f. Approximately 1,000sqm of business (B1 Class) floorspace shall be provided, achieving BREEAM 'excellent' rating; g. Proposals should protect and conserve the setting of non-designated built heritage assets such as Grove House and Pot

District Spatial Strategy

Housing will be delivered through a new sustainable, landscape-led settlement, with supporting town centre and community uses, based on garden town principles in the North Downs Area, in accordance with policies SS6-SS9. The garden town will maximise opportunities arising from the location, access to London and continental Europe and strategic infrastructure. Housing and supporting community uses will also be delivered through growth in Sellindge (policy CSD9). Elsewhere in the district, priority will continue to be given to previously developed land in the Urban Area in Folkestone, for main town centre uses and housing, to enhance the town's role as a sub-regional centre, with opportunity for increased densities within the town centre and maximisation of employment opportunities at key locations. Development in the Urban Area will be led through strategically allocated developments at Folkestone Seafront (policy SS10) and Shorncliffe Garrison, Folkestone (policy SS11), and the delivery of strategic mixed-use development at Hythe (policy CSD7). Remaining development needs should be focused on the most sustainable towns and villages as set out in policy SS3. Development outside the new settlement and identified centres in the open countryside and on the coast (defined as anywhere outside settlements within Table 4.4 Settlement Hierarchy) will only be allowed exceptionally, where a rural or coastal location is essential (policy CSD3). This is supported by the following strategic priorities for the three character areas of the district: Urban Area - The future spatial priority for new development in the Urban Area (Folkestone and Hythe) is on promoting the development of vacant previously developed land, central Folkestone and the north of the town, and other locations within walking distance of Folkestone Central railway station; securing new accessible public green space, plus regenerating western Hythe. Romney Marsh Area - The future spatial priority for new development in the Romney Marsh Area is on accommodating development at the towns of New Romney and Lydd, and at sustainable villages; improving communications; protecting and enhancing the coast and the many special habitats and landscapes, especially at Dungeness; and avoiding further co-joining of settlements and localities at the most acute risk to life and property from tidal flooding. North Downs Area - The future spatial priority for new development in the North Downs area is on the creation of a landscape-led sustainable new settlement based on garden town principles outside the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) boundary, designed to avoid or minimise adverse impacts on the AONB, and the expansion of Sellindge. Within the Kent Downs AONB development will be limited to consolidating Hawkinge's growth and sensitively meeting the needs of communities at better-served settlements. Major development will be refused within the AONB other than in exceptional circumstances and where it can be demonstrated that the development is in the public interest, in accordance with the National Planning Policy Framework. All proposed development in the North Downs area will

Spatial Strategy for Shorncliffe Garrison, Folkestone

The Shorncliffe Garrison complex is allocated for a predominantly residential development of 1,200 dwellings and an improved military establishment, together with a hub of new community facilities, associated enhancements to sports and green infrastructure, and on-site and off-site travel infrastructure upgrades. Planning permission will also only be granted where: a. Residential development is shown to be part of a comprehensive approach to modernisation and consolidation of military land within the district. b. Development is appropriately phased to ensure benefits can be fully realised, with infrastructure improvements delivered at appropriate stages to ensure on- and off-site facilities are available to create a sense of place and community and to manage environmental impacts in relation to infrastructure capacity. c. Significant transport improvements are delivered including appropriate contributions for critical junction upgrades, and other highway improvements, and a contribution is made to improved and extended bus services and further sustainable travel measures for walking and cycling (including connections to Cheriton High Street and Folkestone West railway station) in accordance with policy SS5. d. The proposal includes on-site provision of appropriate community infrastructure including land and possible contributions towards a new primary school (up to two-form entry) and health/care facility (and/or delivery of a community/public facility of equal social value). e. The proposal incorporates high-quality green infrastructure at the design stage, with sports and public open space usable for active recreation retained in line with national policy, and improved changing facilities provided at 'The Stadium'. f. Land at Seabrook Valley as shown in Figure 4.7 is released from military use for public and natural open space purposes, and a management strategy is in place to enhance biodiversity and to increase accessibility to the countryside where appropriate. Development proposals shall include an appropriate recreational access strategy to ensure additional impacts to Natura 2000 site(s) are acceptably mitigated, in accordance with policy CSD4. g. The design and layout of development should form a legible network of streets, drawing on the scale and pattern of surrounding development so as to enhance connectivity from east to west with a strong new south to north pedestrian/cycle axis, through the site. Townscape, heritage and archaeological analysis should be undertaken prior to the demolition of any buildings. This should ensure good place-making through the retention of important features, including heritage assets and reference to former uses on the site. h. Development design integrates fully and sensitively with the existing residential neighbourhoods of Cheriton and with the Seabrook Valley landscape. i. Development delivers 22% affordable housing dwellings for the Urban Area subject to viability. j. Residential buildings achieve a minimum water efficiency of 110 litres/person/day. All development must be designed and constructed to achieve high standards of environmental performance, and buildings should be designed to allow convenient waste recycling. k. A programme is agreed for the satisfactory remediation of the land. Any detailed planning application submitted in relation to any of the site will only be granted if it is supported by and consistent with either: A satisfactory masterplan for the whole site produced in line with this policy, or An outline/detailed planning application for the whole site that provides satisfactory masterplanning in line with this policy, including phasing proposals and necessary viability assessments.

Housing and the Economy Growth Strategy

The core long-term requirement is to deliver 738 dwellings (Class C2/C3) a year on average from 2019/2020 to 2036/37, a total requirement of 13,284 new homes over the plan period. This will be achieved by major strategic growth in the district including the delivery of a new garden town, as well as a number of small- and medium-sized sites as allocated in the Places and Policies Local Plan. In order to meet the total housing requirement over the plan period, a stepped approach to housing delivery will be implemented encompassing four phases, as set out in Table 4.2; this acknowledges the significant change in the district's housing requirement and the phased delivery of the new garden town. Allied to this rate of housing delivery, business activity and the provision of jobs will be facilitated through supporting employment opportunities in the garden settlement, existing town centres, the protection of sufficient employment land across the district, allocations and delivering rural regeneration (especially in the south and west of the district). Table 4.2 Delivery of plan period | Target amount of additional development 2019/20 - 2036/37 Development Types | A requirement is set to deliver land for an average of 738 dwellings a year over the plan period (18 years). This is to be delivered in four phases as follows: | Minimum of 13,284 dwellings delivered in four phases as set out in the right hand column. Housing (Classes C2/C3) | 2019/20 to 2023/24 – 622 dwellings a year 2024/25 to 2028/29 – 885 dwellings a year 2029/30 to 2033/34 – 730 dwellings a year 2034/35 to 2036/37 – 700 dwellings a year | Targets to be monitored and employment/retail needs to be reviewed every five years. Any future studies will be a material planning consideration and may trigger a review of relevant plan policies. Employment (offices, research and development, light industry, Class B2 and Class B8) | Approximately 8.1 ha strategic employment allocation at new garden settlement (36,760 sqm floorspace) Employment sites in Places and Policies Local Plan policies E1 and E2 | Approximately 35,700 sqm gross, comprising: Goods Retailing (retail and food/beverage uses excluding financial and professional services) | 6,500 sqm convenience goods floorspace; 23,300 sqm comparison goods floorspace; and 5,900 sqm food/beverage floorspace Provisions to ensure the effective implementation of this policy are detailed in section 5.3.

Spatial Strategy for Shorncliffe Garrison, Folkestone

Development at Shorncliffe Garrison, Folkestone should: a. create a sense of place and community and to manage environmental improvements in relation to infrastructure capacity. b. Sufficient contributions are made to highways, public transport and parking arrangements to provide sustainable connectivity between the Seafront development, the town centre and central and eastern Folkestone, including improved pedestrian, cycle and bus links and according with SS5. c. Appropriate financial contributions are provided to meet additional school pupil places generated by the development. d. Design is of very high quality, preserving the setting of the key heritage assets and archaeological features of the site, sympathetic to the landscape and coastal character of the area including the retention of the Inner Harbour Bridge. e. The layout is planned to achieve sufficient ground floor active/commercial uses in and around the Harbour and at the Pier Head Quarter to ensure a sense of vitality can be maintained, fully utilising the setting, and also featuring a central avenue and a range of open and enjoyable coastal environments. f. Development delivers 22% affordable housing dwellings for central Folkestone, subject to viability. g. Residential buildings achieve a minimum water efficiency of 110 litres/person/day. All development must be designed and constructed to achieve high standards of environmental performance, and buildings should be designed to allow convenient waste recycling. h. All development is located within the site in accordance with national policy on the degree of flood risk and compatibility of specific use and, where necessary, includes design measures to mitigate flood risk. i. Development proposals include an appropriate recreational access strategy to ensure additional impacts to Natura 2000 site(s) are acceptably mitigated, in accordance with policy CSD4.

Housing and Employment Provision

The level, balance and timing of development in the spatial strategy will determine whether places change appropriately and whether strategic needs are addressed. Policy SS2 establishes a minimum of 13,284 additional homes in total over the period 2019/20 to 2036/37 (18 years), equivalent to 738 new homes a year on average. The phased delivery will be: Phase 1 – 2019/20 to 2023/24 (five years) – an average of 622 dwellings a year, or 3,110 dwellings in total; Phase 2 – 2024/25 to 2028/29 (five years) – an average of 885 dwellings a year, or 4,425 dwellings in total; Phase 3 – 2029/30 to 2033/34 (five years) – an average of 730 dwellings a year, or 3,650 dwellings in total; and Phase 4 – 2034/35 to 2036/37 (three years) – an average of 700 dwellings a year, or 2,100 dwellings in total.

New Garden Settlement - Development Requirements

Land is allocated within the North Downs area for a new garden settlement as shown on the Policies Map. The settlement will be developed on garden town principles and will have a distinctive townscape and outstanding accessible landscape, both of which will be informed by the historic character of the area. It will be planned to be sustainable, providing new homes with a broad mix of tenures, employment opportunities and community facilities within easy walking and cycling distance. It will be a landscape-led development that responds to its location within the setting of the Kent Downs AONB and the adjacent Lympne Escarpment with an emphasis on a network of green and blue spaces including woodland and other planting, open space and recreation that supports healthy living, encourages interaction between residents, enhances local biodiversity and mitigates impacts on views from the scarp of the Kent Downs. Environmentally the settlement will be a beacon of best practice, making best use of new technologies, and will be designed to achieve a low carbon, low waste and highly water efficient development. Given the location of the proposed new settlement and its relationship with the Kent Downs AONB, it is essential that the landscape-led proposals include appropriate structural landscaping in order to avoid or minimise adverse impacts on the AONB and views in and out of the AONB in accordance with policy SS7. Outline planning permission will be granted for a comprehensive proposal that is supported by a masterplan prepared by the site promoters. The masterplan shall be prepared in partnership and in consultation with the local planning authority, stakeholders, partner organisations, local people and interest groups, in accordance with the three-tier approval structure. (1) New homes a. The settlement shall provide for a minimum of circa 5,600 new homes in a phased manner within this plan period (2019/20 to 2036/37) with potential for future growth to provide a total of 8000-10,000 homes within the site allocation area beyond the plan period (subject to detailed masterplanning and an assessment of potential impacts on the Kent Downs AONB in line with Policy SS7); b. The mix of tenure and sizes of new homes shall be in accordance with Policies CSD1 and CSD2 and evidence in the Strategic Housing Market Assessment, Parts 1 and 2 (PBA, 2016/2017) (or subsequent revision to the evidence base) and shall include build for rent provision to meet identified need. 22 per cent of all dwellings should be provided as affordable homes, subject to viability; c. All homes shall meet the adopted Nationally Described Space Standards in accordance with Policy HB3 of the Places and Policies Local Plan (or any revision to that policy); d. Within the early phases, development shall provide homes in neighbourhoods located in and around the new town centre (Policy SS7(2)), well-connected to the centre by a walking, cycling and public transport network. Close to the town centre there shall be a higher proportion of smaller residential units serving all age groups. Other phases of development may come forward in tandem if they are well-connected to an existing rural centre or primary village with capacity to provide for the day-to-day needs of new residents, are in accordance with the masterplan for the garden town, maintain its quality and do not prejudice its overall delivery; e. Additional neighbourhoods will be masterplanned in future phases in accordance with Policy SS7(3). All neighbourhoods will be expected to provide a mix of home typologies, with plots provided for custom-build and self-build development in accordance with Policy SS6(2); f. A minimum of 10 per cent of homes in each substantial phase shall be built to meet the needs of the elderly, from active retired people to those requiring intensive nursing care, including specialist C2 provision. All such homes shall be built to meet M4(3) Category 3: Wheelchair User Dwellings standards as set out in Building Regulations; and g. The remaining 90 per cent of homes shall be built to meet M4(2) Category 2: Accessible and Adaptable Dwellings as set out in Building Regulations. Homes should be designed to be flexible to respond to the changing needs of families. (2) Self-build and custom-build homes a. A proportion of proposed dwellings shall be provided as self-build or custom-build plots, having regard to the need identified by the council, with each substantial phase contributing a proportion of self-build and custom-build housing; b. Innovative self-build and custom-build designs will be encouraged that are flexible and incorporate new technologies, particularly those that achieve carbon and water neutrality. In small or single unit schemes the objective will be to achieve low carbon and high water efficiency; and c. Self-build and custom-build housing will not be required to be uniform in scale, plot width or materials. Design requirements will be established by: i. Planning policy and a design code approach setting out principles of place-making and sustainability; ii. A 'plot passport' scheme introduced alongside a Local Development Order (should a substantial self-build phase be pursued) or alternative approval mechanism, allowing plot purchasers to submit an application to the council for assessment of compliance against the code; and iii. Where plots have been made available and marketed appropriately for at least 12 months and have not sold, the plot(s) may either remain on the open market as self-build or be built out by the developer. (3) Employment development a. The settlement shall provide approximately 36,760sqm net of employment floorspace (which may include office, research and development and light industrial uses within Class E, and uses falling within Class B2 and B8) by 2037. Development beyond the plan period has the potential to provide for approximately 57,600 sqm of employment floorspace in total within the site allocation area. A different delivery rate or quantum of employment development will need to demonstrate that employment provision aligns with population growth to ensure that the town grows in a sustainable way following garden town principles. Other employment opportunities will be created by the retail and other town centre development set out in Policy SS7(2)(b) as well as community uses. The settlement's location near the gateway to Europe (Channel Tunnel) provides the opportunity to deliver employment and town centre development that complements other centres including Folkestone town centre, Hythe and other growth areas across East Kent; b. The employment development set out in 3(a) shall provide business space suitable to accommodate growing sectors operating in regional, national and international markets with a capacity to contribute to employment and GVA growth, as informed by the Employment Opportunities Study; c. Employment space should be delivered alongside infrastructure and new homes so that job opportunities are available when the first phases of housing are occupied; subsequent phases should show how further employment development will be delivered alongside new housing as agreed with the local planning authority. Interim business uses will be encouraged on suitable sites as successive phases are developed; d. An innovation centre or business hub shall be included within the initial phases of development (unless otherwise agreed with the local planning authority), to support business start-ups and provide space for growing businesses; and e. Details of interim uses which support the delivery of the garden town itself or the growth of future employment sectors shall form part of the implementation strategy in support of the outline planning application. (4) Community and educational facilities a. Community facilities shall be provided at each phase of development in accordance with the neighbourhood principles set out in Policy SS7(3); b. A health centre shall be provided in the early phases of development, in partnership with local Clinical Commissioning Groups and the Kent Health and Wellbeing Board, drawing from exemplar facilities elsewhere. The centre shall be designed to deliver an integrated service for patients - including a cluster of general practitioners, a wide range of diagnostic services and primary care treatment - to minimise the requirement for secondary care treatment at local hospitals. The centre should be located on an accessible site close to other community services; and c. Primary, secondary, special and nursery school f

District Infrastructure Planning

1. Development should provide, contribute to or otherwise address the district's current and future infrastructure needs. Infrastructure that is necessary to support development must exist already, or a reliable mechanism must be available to ensure that it will be provided at the time it is needed. 2. The Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) has been introduced to ensure that, alongside Section 106 contributions, resources are in place sufficient to meet the infrastructure needs of the district in line with the growth provisions of this strategy. CIL applies to all qualifying forms of development across the district, and a meaningful proportion of levy revenues raised in each neighbourhood will be used to deliver infrastructure within that neighbourhood. Developer contributions through specific legal agreements will continue to be negotiated taking appropriate account of the development's viability for required local infrastructure (including facilities essential for development to take place or to mitigate the immediate impact of development). 3. CIL and developer contributions will be used to secure resources contributing towards essential infrastructure needs. Potential infrastructure requirements of this Core Strategy Review are identified in the council's Infrastructure Delivery Plan. Planning permissions will only be granted where suitable developer contributions are secured or are accompanied by a CIL liability notice, and where: a. The design of a development aims to reduce unnecessary or unsustainable demands on physical and social/community infrastructure, and environmental or utility network capacity; b. Development does not jeopardise current or planned physical infrastructure; and c. The location, design or management of development provides a choice of means of transport and allows sustainable travel patterns, for pedestrians, cyclists and/or public transport. The travel demand of new development proposals will be considered and managed and tailored solutions will be developed to limit car use generated by new developments. All major trip-generating uses will provide Travel Plans. 4. Where the provision of infrastructure is necessary to facilitate and/or mitigate the impacts of development (including the cumulative impacts of allocated and other developments), developers will be required, where necessary, to provide the necessary infrastructure and/or make a proportionate contribution towards such infrastructure, including circumstances where such infrastructure has been forward-funded from other sources (other than non-repayable public sector funding). Necessary infrastructure will be secured by planning obligations and, where appropriate, other agreements, including Section 278 agreements.

New Garden Settlement - Infrastructure, Delivery, Phasing and Management

(1) Delivery of infrastructure and phasing a. The settlement should be self-sufficient regarding education, health, community, transport and other infrastructure, where necessary allowing for the expansion and improvement of nearby facilities such as secondary education and waste; b. Critical and necessary infrastructure, including primary education, highways mitigation and wastewater infrastructure should be provided in accordance with the indicative infrastructure delivery schedule at Appendix 5 and a delivery strategy which sets out broadly how the development is to be phased and delivered, unless it can be demonstrated that: i. Relevant infrastructure capacity is readily available to service the quantum of development proposed; ii. The relevant infrastructure will be provided in advance of the proposed development; or iii. Alternative provision can be secured and agreed with the relevant provider and the local planning authority to meet the relevant requirement. Proposals will be required to accord with the three-tier approval structure. Proposals which would deliver unsustainable, disconnected and isolated development will be refused. c. A traffic monitoring and management strategy shall be submitted for approval by the local planning authority in consultation with the local highway authority, Highways England and other relevant authorities in relation to traffic movement and impact on the surrounding road network; d. Proposals will be required to demonstrate that necessary highways capacity is available for each quantum of development, taking into account cumulative development of the garden settlement, set within the monitor and manage framework relating to both the Strategic Road Network and Local Highways Network; e. Traffic volumes shall be monitored through the plan period to inform when, or if, mitigation shall be required and implemented in relation to the Strategic Road Network, and specifically M20 Junction 11, M20 Junction 12 to Junction 13 and the Alkham Valley Interchange (A20/A260). Mitigation will be delivered in accordance with schemes approved by Highways England and the relevant local highway authority, and the mitigation frameworks for the Strategic and Local Highway Networks set out in Appendix 5, as appropriate in order to achieve net zero harm in terms of highway capacity and highway safety; f. Development proposals will be required to be supported by planning obligations that provide for the payment of proportionate contributions towards the carrying out and/or implementation of strategic and other necessary highway mitigation works and improvements, or by direct delivery of the works and improvements, where monitoring identifies the need for such works at any stage during the lifetime of the development and which cannot otherwise be managed. Where necessary and appropriate, the occupation of the development shall be regulated by reference to the completion of any such works; g. Where highway improvements are required to other junctions or links outside the Folkestone & Hythe District, consultation shall take place with the relevant local authority prior to the proposals being agreed; h. A degree of overlap between one phase and another

Spatial Strategy for Folkestone Seafront

Folkestone Seafront is allocated for mixed-use development, providing up to 1,000 homes, in the region of 10,000 sqm of floorspace comprising small shops and retail services, offices (within class E) and other community and leisure uses; together with beach sports and sea sport facilities and with associated and improved on-site and off-site community and physical infrastructure. Planning permission will only be granted where: a. Proposals clearly support the delivery of planned incremental redevelopment for a distinctive, unique and high-quality seafront environment, with a mix of uses providing vitality for the whole site and Folkestone. b. The proposals directly contribute to the regeneration of Folkestone by reconnecting the town centre to the Seafront, and enhancing the attractiveness of Folkestone and its appeal as a cultural and visitor destination, complementary to the Creative Quarter and existing traditional maritime activities. c. Development is appropriately phased to ensure benefits can be fully realised, with infrastructure improvements delivered at appropriate stages to ensure on-and off-site facilities are available to create a sense of place and community and to manage environmental improvements in relation to infrastructure capacity. d. Sufficient contributions are made to highways, public transport and parking arrangements to provide sustainable connectivity between the Seafront development, the town centre and central and eastern Folkestone, including improved pedestrian, cycle and bus links and according with SS5. e. Appropriate financial contributions are provided to meet additional school pupil places generated by the development. f. Design is of very high quality, preserving the setting of the key heritage assets and archaeological features of the site, sympathetic to the landscape and coastal character of the area including the retention of the Inner Harbour Bridge. g. The layout is planned to achieve sufficient ground floor active/commercial uses in and around the Harbour and at the Pier Head Quarter to ensure a sense of vitality can be maintained, fully utilising the setting, and also featuring a central avenue and a range of open and enjoyable coastal environments. h. Development delivers 22% affordable housing dwellings for central Folkestone, subject to viability. i. Residential buildings achieve a minimum water efficiency of 110 litres/person/day. All development must be designed and constructed to achieve high standards of environmental performance, and buildings should be designed to allow convenient waste recycling. j. All development is located within the site in

Priority Centres of Activity Strategy

In focal points for maintaining and developing jobs and services, as represented by the Priority Centres of Activity, development will be encouraged where it complies with national policy and contributes to continued centre viability. Major commercial and employment development should be located in accordance with the Priority Centres of Activity network as shown on the Policies Map and should reinforce the role of the centre. Development in Priority Centres of Activity will be allowed where it does not result in a net loss of on-site non-retail employment uses, and it does not jeopardise the identified commercial purpose of areas set out in the Priority Centres of Activity network (see Table 4.5). Strategic objectives will be delivered through the following principles: a. A 'town centre first' policy will operate for applicable uses in line with national policy. Potential town centre activities or those creating significant transport demand, including retail, leisure and major office uses, should be located: i) Sequentially, looking firstly at locations within town centres, then on the edge of centres, and only then out of centre with a preference given to accessible sites which are well connected to the town centre; and ii) With regard to their impact on the vitality and viability of, and existing, committed and planned investment in, the defined town, district and local centres. b. For other employment-generating (non-town centre) activities, investment should alternatively be directed to designated Major Employment Sites. If suitable sites are shown to be unavailable and unfeasible within any Priority Centre of Activity, development for employment-generating uses will be acceptable where it accords with Policies SS1, SS3 and CSD3. c. Sustainable employment development proposals will be encouraged in appropriate locations in areas suffering longstanding deprivation where they increase employment opportunities in the area and contribute to local workforce up-skilling. d. To deliver commercial regeneration objectives, mixed-use development on employment land may be acceptable in line with the above principles where appropriate new non-retail employment premises are provided and the proposals provide a net gain of suitable local job opportunities, and where it can also be demonstrated that a following criterion is also satisfied (subject to the satisfaction of other site specific policies): i) At appropriate older Major Employment Sites, it directly delivers a range of small new and replacement industrial premises more appropriate to local needs; or ii) In and on the edge of Town Centres, it provides a significant quantum of small incubation premises/offices designed to meet the needs of indigenous start-up businesses. All development in Town and District Centres should contribute to a mix of active ground floor uses, with predominantly retail goods frontage shopping retained at the core of centres. Elsewhere in Town Centres an appropriate mix of offices, cultural, community and voluntary facilities, and other shop uses will be permitted; with a limited increase in the proportion of restaurants where they add to the vitality, tourist appeal and evening economy of Town Centres.