Planning in Swale

Health and wellbeing

The Council, working in conjunction with relevant organisations, communities and developers, will promote, protect and work to improve the health of Swale's population, and reduce health inequalities. Development proposals will, as appropriate: 1. Bring forward accessible new community services and facilities, including health facilities; 2. Safeguard existing community services and facilities where they are viable or can be made so, or where replacement facilities can be provided without leading to any shortfall in provision, or where the local Clinical Commissioning Group has indicated a need for health facilities; 3. Safeguard or provide as appropriate, open space, sport and recreation in accordance with Policy DM 17, additionally enabling access to nature in accordance with the Local Plan Natural Assets and Green Infrastructure Strategy in Policy CP 7; 4. Promote healthier options for transport, including cycling and walking; 5. Improve or increase access to a healthy food supply such as allotments, markets and farm shops; 6. Create social interaction and safe environments through mixed uses and in the design and layout of new development; 7. Create a healthy environment that regulates local climate by providing open space and greenery to achieve shading and cooling, particularly within existing urban environments; and 8. Undertake and implement a Health Impact Assessment for relevant proposals that are: a. required to undertake Environmental Impact Assessments; or b. within Swale's most deprived wards; or c. identified as required by the Local Plan.

Open space, sports and recreation provision

Proposals for residential and other developments as appropriate will: 1. Safeguard existing open space, sports pitches and facilities in accordance with national policy, having regard to the Council's open space assessment and strategy and facilities planning model; 2. Make provision for open space in accordance with Table 7.5.1 and for sports facilities in accordance with the needs identified by the Council's facilities planning model and the Open Space Strategy, whilst ensuring that the location of new open space, sports and recreation provision does not result in increased levels of recreational pressure on internationally designated sites; 3. Where it is not appropriate to make provision for new open space and sports facilities on site, make contributions to the off-site funding of facilities to meet local deficiencies or to the qualitative or quantitative improvement of existing provision; and 4. Provide for the multi-use and purpose of open space and sports facilities as appropriate, with particular emphasis on contributing toward the Local Plan Natural Assets and Green Infrastructure Strategy, provided by Policy CP 7, so as to achieve benefits for both communities and biodiversity.

Faversham Creek Neighbourhood Plan

Within the Faversham Creek Neighbourhood Plan area, as shown on the Proposals Map, priority will be given to the regeneration of Faversham Creek by retaining maritime activities (including the retention and improvement of wharves and moorings, including for large craft) with complementary redevelopment opportunities for workshops/business uses, residential, small scale retail and restaurant uses. Where relevant, development of the area will: 1. Accord with the Neighbourhood Plan; 2. Provide for the restoration of and enhancement to the settings of listed and other important historic buildings; 3. Protect open space and nature conservation interests and upgrading of the public realm; 4. Improve navigation of the Creek (subject to appropriate mitigation of the impacts on the adjacent International Designations and the Shellfish Waters); 5. Provide a publicly accessible creekside walkway; 6. Require high quality designs which respect their context; 7. Be acceptable in terms of flood risk; and 8. Re-mediate contaminated sites.

Requiring good design

All development proposals will be of a high quality design that is appropriate to its surroundings. Development proposals will, as appropriate: 1. Create safe, accessible, comfortable, varied and attractive places; 2. Enrich the qualities of the existing environment by promoting and reinforcing local distinctiveness and strengthening sense of place; 3. Make safe connections physically and visually both to and within developments, particularly through using landscape design and open space to retain and create green corridors for pedestrians, cyclists and biodiversity; 4. Make efficient and prudent use of natural resources including sensitively utilising landscape features, landform, biodiversity and climate to maximise energy conservation and amenity; 5. Retain and enhance features which contribute to local character and distinctiveness; 6. Conserve and enhance landscape, biodiversity and local environments by: a. assessing and responding to landscape character, condition, sensitivity and any limitations arising from its overall capacity for change, together with the guidelines set out within the Landscape Character and Biodiversity Assessment and Guidelines and Urban Extension Landscape Capacity Study; b. retaining trees where possible (including old orchards and fruit trees, hedgerows, shelter belts, woodland and scrub) particularly those that make an important contribution either to the amenity, historic, landscape character or biodiversity value of the site or the surrounding area; c. providing a high standard of locally native plant species and trees (of local provenance and supportive of biodiversity) for soft (including green walls) landscaping in a pattern which respects the landscape character; d. providing hard landscaping, surface and boundary treatments that are locally distinct and that respond positively to the character of the locality; and e. provide features and management intended to encourage biodiversity. 7. Achieve a mix of uses, building forms, tenure and densities; 8. Be appropriate to the context in respect of materials, scale, height and massing; 9. Make best use of texture, colour, pattern, and durability of materials; 10. Use densities determined by the context and the defining characteristics of the area; 11. Ensure the long-term maintenance and management of buildings, spaces, features and social infrastructure; 12. Be flexible in order to respond to future changes in use, lifestyle, and demography; 13. Maximise opportunities for including sustainable design and construction techniques including the use of recycled and recyclable materials, sustainable drainage systems, carbon reduction and minimising waste; and 14. Adhere to relevant supporting design guidance.

Extending the garden of a dwelling in the rural area

Planning permission for proposals to extend the garden of a dwelling in the rural area, or to use such land as amenity land, will be permitted where it can be demonstrated that: 1. The proposal would not result in significant harm to the landscape, biodiversity or form of a settlement or inhibit the appropriate management of the land in accordance with Policy DM 24 and DM 33 and the Council's Landscape Character and Biodiversity Appraisal 2011 Supplementary Planning Document; and 2. A scheme of landscaping is provided and implemented that will, as required, conserve, create, or restore the character of the landscape concerned.

General development criteria

All development proposals will, as appropriate: 1. Accord with the policies and proposals of the adopted Development Plan unless material considerations indicate otherwise; 2. Include information sufficient to enable the Council to determine the application in conjunction with the Council's published Local List of requirements; 3. Accord with adopted Supplementary Planning Documents and Guidance; 4. Respond to the constraints and opportunities posed from climate change and natural processes; 5. Reflect the positive characteristics and features of the site and locality; 6. Conserve and enhance the natural and/or built environments taking in to account the desirability of sustaining and enhancing the significance of heritage assets; 7. Be both well sited and of a scale, design, appearance and detail that is sympathetic and appropriate to the location; 8. Cause no significant harm to amenity and other sensitive uses or areas; 9. Provide for an integrated landscape strategy that will achieve a high standard landscaping scheme that informs the earliest stages of a development proposal; and 10. Achieve safe vehicular access, convenient routes and facilities for pedestrians and cyclists, enhanced public transport facilities and services, together with parking and servicing facilities in accordance with the County Council's standards.

New shopfronts, signs and advertisements

Development involving shopfronts will be required to be of a design which respond positively to the character of the building and its locality. The Borough Council will not permit the alteration or replacement of shopfronts of visual or historic interest unless it can be demonstrated that the resulting works would conserve the character of the affected building or area in which it is situated. Development involving advertisements will be designed in a manner that minimises harm to amenity and public safety.

Alterations and extensions

Planning permission will be granted for alterations and extensions to existing buildings provided they: 1. Are of an appropriate design and quality which responds positively to the style and character of the building being extended; 2. Are appropriately scaled in relation to the building and its surroundings; 3. Maintain or enhance (where applicable) the character of the street scene; 4. Reinforce or enhance as appropriate local distinctiveness; 5. Preserve architectural, historic, landscape, or nature conservation features of interest; and 6. Protect residential amenity.

Sustainable design and construction

1. Development proposals will include measures to address and adapt to climate change in accordance with national planning policy and guidance and, where appropriate, will incorporate the following: a. Use of materials and construction techniques which increase energy efficiency and thermal performance, and reduce carbon emissions in new development over the long term unless considerations in respect of the conservation of heritage assets indicate otherwise; b. Promotion of waste reduction, re-use, recycling and composting, where appropriate, during both construction and the lifetime of the development; c. Recognition that retaining and upgrading existing structures may be more sustainable than building new whilst making the most of opportunities to improve water and energy efficiency in the existing stock; d. Design of buildings which will be adaptable to change and reuse over the long term and which include features which enable energy efficient ways of living (e.g. adequate drying space, cycle storage, home working and good daylighting); e. Demonstration of a contribution to the network of green infrastructure and biodiversity, including through tree planting, green roofs and walls, soft landscaping and sustainable drainage systems as appropriate in accordance with Policy CP 7; f. Encouragement of, where appropriate, mixed-use development where a range of uses provide a variety of heat loads and where local facilities serve local people at scales and layouts which are accessible to pedestrians, cyclists and public transport; 2. Development proposals should, where appropriate, be located, oriented and designed to take advantage of opportunities for decentralised, low and zero carbon energy, including passive solar design, and, connect to existing or planned decentralised heat and/or power schemes. 3. All new non-residential developments will aim to achieve BREEAM 'Good' standard or equivalent as a minimum. All new non-residential developments over 1,000 sq m gross floor area should aim to achieve the BREEAM "Very Good" standard or equivalent as a minimum.

Existing committed employment locations

Planning permission will be granted for land allocated for 'B' class employment uses, as shown on the Proposals Map, at: 1. Ridham and Kemsley, Sittingbourne; and 2. Neatscourt, Isle of Sheppey. Development proposals will accord with the approved development briefs for the sites and satisfactorily address landscape, biodiversity, archaeological and existing power line issues.

Land south of Kemsley Mill

Planning permission will be granted for employment uses (use classes B1, B2 or B8) on land to the south of Kemsley Mill, as shown on the Proposals Map. Development proposals will: 1. Bring forward proposals to minimise the potential visual, heritage and residential amenity impacts of development through high quality integrated landscape-led design, including the use of the Council's Design Panel; 2. Facilitate an extension to the Church Marshes country park to bring about enhancements to the significance, condition, appearance and appreciation of the wider landscape, biodiversity and heritage of the area; 3. Achieve the preservation and enhancement of the Scheduled Monument (including its setting) and undertake archaeological evaluation of the site in accordance with Policy DM34 and respond accordingly; 4. Contribute toward improvements to highway infrastructure where identified by a transport assessment; and 5. Bring forward sustainable design and construction, renewable energy and sustainable urban drainage measures in accordance with Policies DM 19-DM 21.

Land at West Minster, Sheerness

Planning permission will be granted for employment uses (use classes B1, B2 or B8) on land at West Minster, as shown on the Proposals Map. Development proposals will: 1. Achieve a high standard of design and landscaping in recognition of the site's prominent location; 2. Financially contribute toward improvements to infrastructure where identified by a transport assessment; 3. Assess, minimise and mitigate impacts upon biodiversity and archaeology.

Land at Cowstead Corner, Queenborough

Planning permission will be granted for employment uses on sites north and south of the A249 at Cowstead Corner, as shown on the Proposals Map. The northern site is allocated for an hotel (use class C1), whilst the southern site for use classes B1, B2 or B8. Development proposals will: 1. North of the A249, satisfy the Council that the design and landscape framework for the site and buildings reflect their prominent gateway location and does not include facilities associated with roadside services; 2. South of the A249, secure vehicle access from the adjacent employment land and achieve significant landscaping reflecting the site's prominent gateway location; 3. Undertake archaeological evaluation and mitigation of impacts prior to development of either site; and 4. Be complementary to the provisions of the Queenborough/Rushenden Masterplan SPD.

Land at Selling Road, Faversham

Planning permission will be granted for employment ('B' use class) on land and buildings to the west of Selling Road, Faversham, as shown on the Proposals Map. Development proposals will: 1. Comprise uses appropriate in scale to a semi-rural location; 2. Predominantly comprise the sensitive conversion and re-use of existing buildings; 3. Achieve a high built and integrated landscape design standard, respecting and reflecting the traditional vernacular of existing buildings and by securing a new landscaped edge to open countryside; 4. Prepare a Transport Assessment and implement any highway and other transportation improvements necessary; and 5. Assess, minimise and mitigate potential adverse impacts upon biodiversity and archaeology.

Land at Graveney Road, east of Faversham

Planning permission will be granted for employment 'B' use class uses on land at Graveney Road Faversham, as shown on the Proposals Map. Development proposals will: 1. Secure access to the site via land to the west, whilst maintaining/providing access arrangements suitable for existing businesses and for the appropriate development of land at Policy A 15; 2. Undertake a Transport Assessment and undertake any highway and other transportation improvements necessary; 3. Undertake archaeological evaluation and mitigation of impacts prior to development; and 4. Minimise adverse impacts upon the landscape and surrounding countryside to acceptable levels and landscape the site, using, if required, adjacent land to form an appropriate and attractive urban edge to the town.

Building a strong, competitive economy

Actions by public, private and voluntary sectors shall work towards the delivery of the Local Plan economic strategy. Development proposals will, as appropriate: 1. Stabilise losses of jobs and/or floorspace within the manufacturing sector or exploit competitive strengths in the Swale economy including uplifting sectors related to the visitor economy and expansion of the pharmaceutical and science sectors; 2. Bring forward an increase in homegrown business creation and inward investment, including those able to encourage younger people to retain their skills within Swale; 3. Secure additional non-food retail/leisure growth, taking account of committed schemes and existing centres and provide flexibility over uses in town centres to enable them to respond to the challenges they face; 4. Encourage educational facilities or an expansion of vocational learning, developing links between institutions and the private sector or work-based learning at key locations; 5. Contribute to the delivery of a comprehensive land portfolio for the Borough by: a. safeguarding and maximising the potential of identified 'Existing Strategic Employment Sites'; b. bringing forward the stock of existing committed employment sites for industrial use; and c. addressing qualitative issues with new provision at Local Plan allocations to support established industrial markets, additional office space, the release of poorer quality locations and the broader upgrade of the supply; or d. managing existing and future employment potential by upgrading older industrial areas. 6. Be supported when including sectors that are under-represented in Swale that may potentially enable a reduction in commuting out of the Borough; 7. Avoid proposals that would result in the diminishing of existing employment sites and allocations where appropriately located and suitable, viable for users under normally functioning economic conditions or required to meet the identified needs for the plan period; 8. Address future challenges to the agricultural and woodland/forestry industries with sustainable and appropriate proposals to create new markets and greater resilience; 9. Safeguard or enhance Swale's 'Principal Tourism Assets' and consolidate or widen the Borough's tourism potential, particularly where embracing principles of sustainable tourism; 10. Focus large scales of development where they utilise the strategic and primary road networks; 11. Support sectors attractive to the local population who would otherwise out-commute for work; 12. Facilitate the delivery of digital infrastructure, including access to high speed Internet connectivity from all new developments; 13. Create resilience in existing businesses to forecast changes in flood risk, climate change and natural processes or lead to an expansion of businesses in the low carbon sectors; or 14. Provided the Local Plan strategy is not significantly compromised and sites cannot be found within criterion 5, meet unanticipated needs on appropriate sites within one or more of the following 'Priority Locations': a. the extension of an existing employment site; b. where benefits to deprived communities can be achieved; c. sites well related to the A249, A2, Sittingbourne Northern Relief Road or A299 Thanet Way; or d. re-use of heritage assets or where delivering significant benefits to the conservation of landscape or biodiversity.

The rural economy

Planning permission will be granted for the sustainable growth and expansion of business and enterprise in the rural area. Planning permission for residential development will not be permitted where this would reduce the potential for rural employment and/or community facilities unless the site/building(s) is demonstrated as having no demand for such purposes or its use would be undesirable or unsuitable. Development proposals for rural based employment will: 1. For all proposals: a. in the case of larger scales of development, be located at the rural local service centres and urban areas as defined by Policy ST 3 and in accordance with Policy CP 1; b. firstly consider the appropriate re-use of existing buildings or the development of other previously developed land, unless such sites are not available or it is demonstrated that a particular location is necessary to support the needs of rural communities or the active and sustainable management of the countryside; c. retain or enhance the rural services available to local communities and visitors without undermining or resulting in the loss of existing services unless demonstrated to be unviable for the existing use or other employment/community use; d. for new buildings and ancillary facilities, the design and layout will need to be sympathetic to the rural location and appropriate to their context; e. result in no significant harm to the historical, architectural, biodiversity, landscape or rural character of the area; and f. avoid scales of traffic generation incompatible with the rural character of the area, having regard to Policy DM 6 and Policy DM 26. 2. For tourism and leisure: a. in the case of green/sustainable tourism proposals, be demonstrated by reference to their principals; b. provide for an expansion of tourist and visitor facilities in appropriate locations where identified needs are not being met by existing facilities in the locality or where able to increase facilities available to local communities as well as visitors; and c. where relating to holiday parks, proposals are also in accordance with Policy DM 4. 3. For the agricultural/forestry sectors: a. enable the diversification of a farm; or b. extend the growing season or improve the reliability and availability of local crops; or c. provide for the storage, distribution or added value activities in central hubs located close to crop sources and the primary and secondary road networks; or d. increase the availability of locally grown food sold direct to the consumer; or e. increase the sustainable management of woodlands; or f. increase the use of renewable energy sources in accordance with Policy DM 20.

New holiday parks or extensions to existing parks

1. Planning permission will be granted for the upgrading and improvement of existing static holiday caravan and chalet sites (including their conversion from one to the other) within the existing boundaries of the Holiday Park areas as shown on the Proposals Map. Planning permission will not be granted for any new static holiday caravans and chalets, or extensions, outside of the Holiday Park areas on the Isle of Sheppey as shown on the Proposals Map. 2. In circumstances where land is lost to coastal erosion, minor extensions to existing static holiday caravan sites will be permitted where: a. in accordance with Policies DM 22 and DM 23 relating to the coast and the coastal change management area; b. it is demonstrated that on-site upgrading and improvement is not practicable or viable; c. there is no overall increase in the existing number of accommodation units; d. it is part of a scheme to upgrade and improve the quality of tourist accommodation and other amenities on the site; e. it results in a significant and comprehensive improvement to the layout, design and appearance of the site, together with an integrated landscape strategy that creates a landscape framework for both the existing and proposed sites that will reduce their overall impact within the landscape in accordance with Policy DM 24; f. in accordance with Policy DM 5; and g. there is no unacceptable impact on the local environment.

Land at Lady Dane Farm, east of Love Lane

Planning permission will be granted for mixed-uses, comprising 20,000 sq m of 'B' use class employment, approximately 260 dwellings, open space and landscape enhancements, on land to the east of Love Lane, Faversham, as shown on the Proposals Map. Development proposals will: 1. Achieve a built design and layout which responds to the context of the site and its landform to achieve an attractive new semi urban edge to Faversham that respects the surrounding agricultural landscape; 2. Use the rolling landscape to define the development envelope in a way that respects its topography and watershed and through an integrated landscape strategy: a. secure substantial strategic parkland to meet open space needs (including that for natural and semi-natural greenspace) and provide for improvements to existing sports pitch and formal play facilities; b. achieve a net gain in biodiversity; c. minimise adverse visual impacts, with particular regard to the siting of development at the eastern boundary; and d. provide a landscape framework that reflects and reinforces the area's landscape character. 3. Improve connectivity for pedestrians, cyclists and public transport to the town centre and other locations; 4. Avoid commercial uses that would adversely affect the vitality and viability of Faversham town centre; 5. Bring forward industrial development in accordance with triggers for their phasing agreed with the Council. Other commercial development will be provided subject to their being no adverse impact upon the viability of the town and it not prejudicing the delivery of the industrial floorspace needs for the town identified by the Local Plan; 6. Ensure that, through both on and off site measures, any significant adverse impacts on European sites through recreational pressure will be mitigated in accordance with Policies CP 7 and DM 28, including a financial contribution towards the Strategic Access Management and Monitoring Strategy; 7. Assess the likely impact upon the Abbey Fields Local Wildlife Site, and if, necessary bring forward mitigation proposals; 8. Bring forward such transport improvements and other mitigation as required by a Transport Assessment, including junctions with the A2, and, potentially, improvements/mitigation at the Brenley Corner A2/M2 junction; 9. Provide, in accordance with a trigger agreed with the Council, a new eastern access to the site providing a direct link to the A2; 10. Achieve a mix of housing in accordance with Policy CP 3, including provision for affordable housing in accordance with Policy DM 8; 11. Ensure waste water connections at points that are adequate in their capacity; 12. Ensure that heritage assets are assessed and protected, whilst minimising the visual impact of development on the wider setting of the town and its conservation area; and 13. Provide infrastructure needs arising from the development, including those included by the Local Plan Implementation and Delivery Schedule, in particular, the provision of land for and contributions toward a primary school (if required).

Kent Science Park, Sittingbourne: Regeneration Area

The Council will support proposals at the Kent Science Park, as shown on the Proposals Map, that will consolidate and expand its role as a business cluster of regional significance, specialising in technology and knowledge-based businesses. The location, scale and design of proposals shall avoid significant adverse impacts on the environment or where not possible, minimise and adequately mitigate such impacts, or compensate for them as a last resort. Additionally: Part A All development proposals shall: 1. comprise uses compatible or complementary with the use of the site as a 'Science Park' as defined by the UK Science Park Association; 2. exploit the existing opportunities for sustainable energy and design at the site, unless demonstrated not to be feasible or financially viable; 3. demonstrate, via a Transport Assessment, adequate capacity in the existing transport network, including delivery of any identified and necessary improvements to that network that shall also include implementation of a Travel Plan to minimise car journeys; 4. not significantly harm the character of rural lanes in accordance with Policy DM26; and 5. provide infrastructure needs arising from the development, including those matters identified by the Local Plan Implementation and Delivery Schedule. Part B For proposals to extend the site outside of the existing boundaries, as defined by the Proposals Map, it shall be additionally demonstrated that: 1. the development cannot more appropriately be undertaken within the existing boundaries of the site, as defined by the Proposals Map; 2. current levels of facilities for sport can be maintained; and 3. any development will take place in accordance with an overall landscape and ecological strategy and framework that will ensure both the mitigation of impacts, especially upon designated sites and their settings, in accordance with policies DM 24, DM 28 and DM 29, and the continuance of a high quality environment for the site.

Renewable and low carbon energy

Planning permission will be granted for the development of renewable and low carbon energy sources where: 1. Analysis of all impacts and methods to avoid and mitigate harm from these impacts is fully addressed in any planning application for such proposals; 2. Demonstrating how opportunities highlighted in the Borough's Energy Opportunities Map have been exploited, in particular in the delivery of district heating, where shown to be financially viable and technically feasible; 3. Priority will be given to development on previously developed land or buildings and proposals which incorporate renewable, decentralised and low carbon energy as integral to new commercial or residential schemes; 4. For schemes on agricultural land, it has been demonstrated that poorer quality land has been used in preference to higher quality. In exceptional cases, where schemes are demonstrated as necessary on agricultural land, that they fully explore options for continued agricultural use; 5. Opportunities to enhance biodiversity are exploited; 6. Landscape, visual and heritage impacts as well as impacts on geology, soils and flood risk, including cumulative impacts, are minimised and mitigated to acceptable levels; 7. Impacts on residential amenity and safety, including noise, air quality, tranquillity and transport are minimised and mitigated to acceptable levels; 8. Applications demonstrate evidence of local community involvement and/or leadership; 9. All relevant plans, policies, appraisals and associated guidance, including landscape appraisals and designations and biodiversity management plans, are referenced in any planning application to ascertain the appropriate type and scale of development for any particular location; and 10. In cases of temporary planning permission, detailed proposals for the restoration of the site at the end of its functional life are set out as a part of any application.

Conserving and enhancing the natural environment - providing for green infrastructure

The Council will work with partners and developers to ensure the protection, enhancement and delivery, as appropriate, of the Swale natural assets and green infrastructure network and its associated strategy. Development proposals will, as appropriate: 1. Recognise and value ecosystems for the wider services they provide, such as for food, water, flood mitigation, disease control, recreation, health and well-being; 2. Protect the integrity of the existing green infrastructure network as illustrated by the Natural Assets and Green Infrastructure Strategy Map, having regard to the status of those designated for their importance as set out by Policy DM24 and Policy DM28; 3. Where assessment indicates that it is necessary to enhance and extend the network (including when management, mitigation and/or compensatory actions are required to address adverse harm), be guided by the Green Infrastructure Network and Strategy Map, prioritising actions toward identified Biodiversity Opportunity Areas; 4. Ensure that there is no adverse effect on the integrity of a SAC, SPA or Ramsar site, alone or in combination with other plan and projects, as it would not be in accordance with the aims and objectives of this Local Plan; 5. Require the completion of project specific Habitats Regulations Assessment, in accordance with Policy DM28, to ensure there are no likely significant effects upon any European designated site. For residential sites within 6km of an access point to any of the North Kent Marshes, development must contribute to its Strategic Access Management and Monitoring Strategy; 6. Contribute to the objectives of the Nature Partnerships and Nature Improvement Areas in Kent; 7. Make the enhancement of biodiversity and landscape as their primary purpose; 8. Promote the expansion of Swale's natural assets and green infrastructure, including within new and existing developments, by: a. delivering a high standard of design quality to maximise the social, economic, health and environmental benefits of green infrastructure; b. providing a focus for social inclusion, community development and lifelong learning; c. taking into account the guidelines and recommendations of relevant management plans and guidance, Biodiversity Action Plans and Supplementary Planning Documents; d. contributing to the protection, conservation and management of historic landscapes, archaeological and built heritage assets; e. achieving, where possible, a net gain of biodiversity; f. providing new recreational facilities in accordance with Policy DM17, exploiting opportunities to link urban and countryside areas and to create new footpath and cycle links; g. taking account of and integrating with natural processes, such as flood risk and utilising sustainable urban drainage; and h. including proposals to 'green' existing and proposed developed areas by increasing opportunities for nature in domestic gardens, streets and buildings, including street trees and in and around formal open spaces and sports provision.

Local green spaces

Sites are designated as Local Green Spaces, as shown on the Proposals Map. Within designated Local Green Spaces planning permission will not be granted other than for: 1. The construction of a new building for one of the following purposes: essential facilities for outdoor sport or recreation, cemeteries, allotment use, or other uses of land where preserving the openness of the Local Green Space and not conflicting with its purpose; 2. The re-use or replacement of an existing building, provided the re-use does not include any associated uses of land around the building which might conflict with the openness of the Local Green Space or the purposes of including land within it; and 3. The carrying out of an engineering or other operation or the making of any material change of use of land, provided that it maintains the openness and character of the Local Green Space.

The coast

Planning permission will be granted for development proposals at or near the coast subject to: 1. Maintaining or enhancing access to the coast where it can be appropriately managed; 2. The protection, enhancement or management as appropriate of biodiversity, landscape, seascape and coastal processes; 3. Enabling wildlife to adapt to the effects of climate change, contributing towards the Local Plan's Natural Assets and Green Infrastructure Plan provided by Policy CP 7; 4. No overriding conflict with the policies and proposals of the Shoreline Management Plans; 5. Proposals within the built up area boundaries as defined on the Proposals Maps, contributing to the rejuvenation of the developed coast, particularly where enhancing either existing industrial and maritime infrastructure, coastal heritage, tourism or environmental management; 6. Proposals at the undeveloped coast and its hinterland, supporting conservation and enhancement; and 7. Compliance with Policy DM 23 for the Coastal Change Management Area.

Coastal change management

Within the Coastal Change Management Area (CCMA), as defined on the Proposals Map, planning permission will be granted for development proposals subject to: 1. It being demonstrated that the proposal will not result in an increased risk to life, nor a significant increase in risk to property; 2. The proposal comprising: a. essential infrastructure; or b. a Ministry of Defence installation; or c. an agricultural building(s); or d. water-compatible development; or e. (within Erosion Zones 1 or 2) a use as defined by criterion 3 or 4, below, as appropriate. 3. Proposals within Erosion Zone 1 being directly related to the coast and less permanent in nature, construction and value; or 4. Proposals within Erosion Zone 2 may additionally be permitted when comprising: a. commercial or leisure activities requiring a coastal location and providing substantial economic, social and environmental benefits to the community; or b. key community infrastructure, which has been demonstrated as needing to be sited within the CCMA to provide the intended benefit to the wider community; or c. the subdivision of properties, including residential subdivision; or d. domestic extensions to residential properties. 5. Proposals within Erosion Zones 1 and 2, submitting a Coastal Erosion Vulnerability Assessment showing the development will be safe throughout its planned lifetime and will not increase risk to life or property elsewhere without the need for new or improved coastal defences; and 6. A temporary planning permission being sought where necessary, together with, as appropriate, a legal agreement to secure the long term management of the site. 7. Proposals seeking to relocate development away from the CCMA will: a. be forecast to be affected by erosion or permanent inundation within 20 years from the date of the planning application, as determined by a Coastal Erosion Vulnerability Assessment or Flood Risk Assessment; b. be of a similar scale, nature and character as the development it is replacing and be of a scale appropriate to its new context; c. be located at an appropriate location inland from the CCMA and, where possible, remaining close to the coastal community from which it was displaced; d. demonstrate that no suitable site is available within a built up area boundary or on previously developed land; and e. at its current site, ensure that it is cleared, made safe or put to a temporary use beneficial to the local community who will

Conserving and enhancing valued landscapes

The value, character, amenity and tranquillity of the Borough's landscapes will be protected, enhanced and, where appropriate, managed. Part A. For designated landscapes areas: Within the boundaries of designated landscape areas, as shown on the Proposals Map, together with their settings, the status given to their protection, enhancement and management in development decisions will be equal with the significance of their landscape value as follows: 1. The Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) is a nationally designated site and as such permission for major developments should be refused unless exceptional circumstances prevail as defined by national planning policy. Planning permission for any proposal within the AONB will only be granted subject to it: 1. conserving and enhancing the special qualities and distinctive character of the AONB in accordance with national planning policy; 2. furthering the delivery of the AONB's Management Plan, having regard to its supporting guidance documents; 3. minimising the impact of individual proposals and their cumulative effect on the AONB and its setting, mitigating any detrimental effects, including, where appropriate, improving any damaged landscapes relating to the proposal; and 4. being appropriate to the economic, social and environmental wellbeing of the area or being desirable for the understanding and enjoyment of the area. 2. Areas of High Landscape Value (Kent and Swale Level) are designated as being of significance to Kent or Swale respectively, where planning permission will be granted subject to the: 1. conservation and enhancement of the landscape being demonstrated; 2. avoidance, minimisation and mitigation of adverse landscape impacts as appropriate and, when significant adverse impacts remain, that the social and or economic benefits of the proposal significantly and demonstrably outweigh harm to the Kent or Swale level landscape value of the designation concerned. Part B. For non-designated landscapes: 1. Non-designated landscapes will be protected and enhanced and planning permission will be granted subject to: 1. the minimisation and mitigation of adverse landscape impacts; and 2. when significant adverse impacts remain, that the social and or economic benefits of the proposal significantly and demonstrably outweigh the harm to the landscape character and value of the area. Part C. For all landscapes: 1. The scale, layout, build and landscape design of development will be informed by landscape and visual impact assessment having regard to the Council's Urban Extension Landscape Capacity Study and Landscape Character and Biodiversity Appraisal SPD, including, as appropriate, their guidelines, and the key characteristics, sensitivity, condition and capacity of character area(s)/landscapes, taking opportunities to enhance the landscape where possible, including the removal of visually intrusive features.

The separation of settlements - Important Local Countryside Gaps

To retain the individual character and setting of settlements, the following Important Local Countryside Gaps are defined on the Proposals Map as gaps between: 1. Sittingbourne and the satellite villages of Bapchild, Rodmersham Green, Tunstall, Borden, Chestnut Street, Bobbing and Iwade; 2. Upchurch and the administrative boundary with Medway Council; and 3. Queenborough, Sheerness, Minster and Halfway. Within these gaps, unless allocated for development by the Local Plan, planning permission will not be granted for development that would undermine one or more of the purposes of the Important Local Countryside Gaps.

Rural lanes

Planning permission will not be granted for development that would either physically, or as a result of traffic levels, significantly harm the character of rural lanes. For those rural lanes shown on the Proposals Map, development proposals should have particular regard to their landscape, amenity, biodiversity, and historic or archaeological importance.

The keeping and grazing of horses

Planning permission will only be granted for development involving the use of land for the keeping or grazing of horses and ponies in connection with riding or other non-agricultural purposes, if they are of high quality design and of a scale and intensity that is acceptable in landscape character, biodiversity, amenity and highways terms. In considering proposals, the Borough Council will have regard to the cumulative effect of such uses in the local area, the sites' accessibility to the bridleway network (having regard to potential conflicts with other path users), or the ability to provide on-site riding facilities.

Biodiversity and geological conservation

Development proposals will conserve, enhance and extend biodiversity, provide for net gains in biodiversity where possible, minimise any adverse impacts and compensate where impacts cannot be mitigated. Part A. For designated sites Development proposals will give weight to the protection of the following designated sites for biodiversity, as shown on the Proposals Map, which will be equal to the significance of their biodiversity/geological status, their contribution to wider ecological networks and the protection/recovery of priority species as follows: 1. Within internationally designated sites (including candidate sites), the highest level of protection will apply. The Council will ensure that plans and projects proceed only when in accordance with relevant Directives, Conventions and Regulations. When the proposed development will have an adverse effect on the integrity of a European site, planning permission will only be granted in exceptional circumstances, where there are no less ecologically damaging alternatives, there are imperative reasons of overriding public interest and damage can be fully compensated. 2. Within nationally designated sites (including candidate sites), development will only be permitted where it is not likely to have an adverse effect on the designated site or its interests (either individually or in combination with other developments) unless the benefits of the development at this site clearly outweigh both the impacts that it is likely to have on the features of the designated site that make it of national importance and any broader impacts on the national network of Sites of Special Scientific Interest. Where damage to a nationally designated site cannot be avoided or mitigated, compensatory measures will be sought. Development will also accord with and support the conservation objectives of any biodiversity site management plans; 3. Within locally designated sites (including draft published sites), development likely to have an adverse effect will be permitted only where the damage can be avoided or adequately mitigated or when its need outweighs the biodiversity interest of the site. Compensation will be sought for loss or damage to locally designated sites. Part B: All Sites Development proposals will: 1. Apply national planning policy in respect of the preservation, restoration and re-creation of: a. the habitats, species and targets in UK and local Biodiversity Action Plans and Biodiversity Strategies; b. linear and continuous landscape features or those acting as stepping-stones for biodiversity; c. aged or veteran trees and irreplaceable habitat, including ancient woodland and traditional orchards; 2. Be informed by and further the guidelines and biodiversity network potential of the Council's Landscape Character and Biodiversity Assessment SPD; 3. Support, where appropriate, the vision and objectives of relevant environmental and biodiversity management and action plans; 4. Be accompanied by appropriate surveys undertaken to clarify constraints or requirements that may apply to development, especially where it is known or likely that development sites are used by species, and/or contain habitats, that are subject to UK or European law; 5. When significant harm cannot be avoided through consideration of alternative sites or adequate mitigation provided on-site or within the immediate locality, compensatory measures will be achieved within the relevant Biodiversity Opportunity Area, or other location as agreed by the Local Planning Authority; 6. Provide, where possible, a net gain of biodiversity overall; and 7. Actively promote the expansion of biodiversity within the design of new development and with reference to the wider natural assets and green infrastructure strategy in Policy CP7.

Woodlands, trees and hedges

The Borough Council will seek to ensure the protection, enhancement and sustainable management of woodlands, orchards trees and hedges. It will: 1. Support carefully planned appropriate development, the intended purpose of which is to further the sustainable management of woodland/old orchards; 2. Ensure that development proposals take all reasonable opportunities to provide for new woodland, orchard, tree and hedge planting at a sufficient scale (with provision made for appropriate long term management) to maintain and enhance the character of the locality and provide for an attractive living and working environment; 3. Use Tree Preservation and Hedgerow Protection Orders to safeguard species which have a significant impact on the local environment and its enjoyment by the public. Where removal of trees and hedgerows is unavoidable, the Borough Council will require appropriate replacements as a condition of a planning permission; and 4. Unless the need for, and benefits of development in a location clearly outweigh the adverse impacts, planning permission will be refused where there: 1. is a loss or deterioration of irreplaceable habitats, including ancient woodland and aged or veteran trees; or 2. would be an inability to secure the beneficial management of woodland, old orchards or hedges for their landscape, historic or biodiversity interest (including as a result of their sub-division/lotting or incorporation into a residential curtilage); or 3. would be a loss of trees (including individual trees, old orchards, fruit trees, hedgerows and woodland scrub) that make an important contribution either to the amenity, historic, landscape, townscape or biodiversity value of the site and/or the surrounding area.

Enabling development for landscape and biodiversity enhancement

Exceptionally, enabling development will be permitted for proposals that contravene planning policies for the protection of the countryside, when it is: 1. Proposing an outstanding design, layout and landscaping scheme that benefits the condition of landscape and biodiversity both substantially and disproportionately; 2. Securing the long-term future and appropriate management of land within Biodiversity Opportunity Areas as identified by Policy CP 7 and/or landscapes in poor or moderate condition as identified by the Swale Landscape Character and Biodiversity Appraisal 2011; 3. Contributing significantly to targets identified in UK, Kent and Swale Biodiversity Action Plans and/or Biodiversity Strategies; 4. In the Kent Downs AONB, and is in accordance with its Management Plan and guidance; 5. In accordance with the objectives of any Nature Improvement Area or other relevant environmental management plan for the area; 6. Wholly necessary to resolve problems arising from the condition of the landscape and its biodiversity, rather than the circumstances of the present owner, the purchase price paid, or to make schemes viable; 7. Demonstrated that sufficient subsidy is not available from any other sources and that the amount of enabling development is the minimum necessary; 8. In locations that do not lead to dispersed development patterns and/or lengthy journeys to access jobs and services; 9. Demonstrated that after any dis-benefits have been minimised and mitigated, the overall landscape and biodiversity benefits of the proposals decisively and disproportionately outweigh harm to other public interests and policies; 10. Subject to legal monitoring and review arrangements intended to secure enhancements in perpetuity against agreed objectives and targets; and 11. Compliant with the criteria for biodiversity as set out in Policy DM 28.

Agricultural land

Development on agricultural land will only be permitted when there is an overriding need that cannot be met on land within the built-up area boundaries. Development on best and most versatile agricultural land (specifically Grades 1, 2 and 3a) will not be permitted unless: 1. The site is allocated for development by the Local Plan; or 2. There is no alternative site on land of a lower grade than 3a or that use of land of a lower grade would significantly and demonstrably work against the achievement of sustainable development; and 3. The development will not result in the remainder of the agricultural holding becoming not viable or lead to likely accumulated and significant losses of high quality agricultural land.

Conserving and enhancing the historic environment

To support the Borough's heritage assets, the Council will prepare a Heritage Strategy. Development will sustain and enhance the significance of designated and non-designated heritage assets to sustain the historic environment whilst creating for all areas a sense of place and special identity. Development proposals will, as appropriate: 1. Accord with national planning policy in respect of heritage matters, together with any heritage strategy adopted by the Council; 2. Sustain and enhance the significance of Swale's designated and non-designated heritage assets and their settings in a manner appropriate to their significance and, where appropriate, in accordance with Policies DM 32-DM 36; 3. Respond to the integrity, form and character of settlements and historic landscapes; 4. Bring heritage assets into sensitive and sustainable use within allocations, neighbourhood plans, regeneration areas and town centres, especially for assets identified as being at risk on national or local registers; 5. Respond positively to the conservation area appraisals and management strategies prepared by the Council; 6. Respect the integrity of heritage assets, whilst meeting the challenges of a low carbon future; and 7. Promote the enjoyment of heritage assets through education, accessibility, interpretation and improved access.

Development involving listed buildings

Development proposals, including any change of use, affecting a listed building, and/or its setting, will be permitted provided that: 1. The building's special architectural or historic interest, and its setting and any features of special architectural or historic interest which it possesses, are preserved, paying special attention to the: a. design, including scale, materials, situation and detailing; b. appropriateness of the proposed use of the building; and c. desirability of removing unsightly or negative features or restoring or reinstating historic features. 2. The total or part demolition of a listed building is wholly exceptional, and will only be permitted provided convincing evidence has been submitted showing that: a. All reasonable efforts have been made to sustain existing uses or viable new uses and have failed; b. Preservation in charitable or community ownership is not possible or suitable; and c. The cost of maintaining and repairing the building outweighs its importance and the value derived from its continued use. 3. If as a last resort, the Borough Council is prepared to consider the grant of a listed building consent for demolition, it may, in appropriate circumstances, consider whether the building could be re-erected elsewhere to an appropriate location. When re-location is not possible and demolition is permitted, arrangements will be required to allow access to the building prior to demolition to make a record of it and to allow for the salvaging of materials and features.

Development affecting a conservation area

Development (including changes of use and the demolition of unlisted buildings or other structures) within, affecting the setting of, or views into and out of a conservation area, will preserve or enhance all features that contribute positively to the area's special character or appearance. The Borough Council expects development proposals to: 1. Respond positively to its conservation area appraisals where these have been prepared; 2. Retain the layout, form of streets, spaces, means of enclosure and buildings, and pay special attention to the use of detail and materials, surfaces, landform, vegetation and land use; 3. Remove features that detract from the character of the area and reinstate those that would enhance it; and 4. Retain unlisted buildings or other structures that make, or could make, a positive contribution to the character or appearance of the area.

Scheduled Monuments and archaeological sites

1. Development will not be permitted which would adversely affect a Scheduled Monument, and/or its setting , as shown on the Proposals Map, or subsequently designated, or any other monument or archaeological site demonstrated as being of equivalent significance to scheduled monuments. Development that may affect the significance of a non-designated heritage asset of less than national significance will require a balanced judgement having regard to the scale of any harm or loss and the significance of the heritage asset. 2. Whether they are currently known, or discovered during the Plan period, there will be a preference to preserve important archaeological sites in-situ and to protect their settings. Development that does not achieve acceptable mitigation of adverse archaeological effects will not be permitted. 3. Where development is permitted and preservation in-situ is not justified, the applicant will be required to ensure that provision will be made for archaeological excavation and recording, in advance of and/or during development, including the necessary post-excavation study and assessment along with the appropriate deposition of any artefacts in an archaeological archive or museum to be approved by the Borough Council.

Historic parks and gardens

1. The Borough Council will seek to protect registered Historic Parks and Gardens, as shown on the Proposals Map, or which are registered during the Plan period. 2. Development that would adversely affect the landscape character, layout and features of a Historic Park and Garden, or its setting, will not be permitted. 3. Development that would adversely affect a non-Registered Historic Park or Garden will only be permitted where the loss of significance is unavoidable.

Area of high townscape value

Within and adjacent to the Area of High Townscape Value, as defined on the Proposals Map, the Borough Council will not grant planning permission for development proposals unless they provide for the conservation or enhancement of the local historic and architectural character, together with its greenspaces, landscaping and trees.

Land at north-east Sittingbourne

Planning permission will be granted for mixed use development comprising 43,000 sq m of 'B' use class employment uses, approximately 106 dwellings, together with 31.1 ha of open space, flooding, biodiversity and landscape enhancements on land in North-East Sittingbourne as shown on the Proposals Map. Development proposals will: 1. Achieve a mix of housing in accordance with Policy CP 3, including provision for affordable housing in accordance with Policy DM 8; 2. Through an integrated landscape strategy, achieve a net gain in biodiversity overall by making provision for significant levels of habitat creation, landscaping and open space to: a. mitigate impacts upon and enhance the interests of the adjacent Special Protection Area and Area of High Landscape Value; b. meet natural and semi natural greenspace needs at the town; c. provide water attenuation; d. allotments; and e. successfully complete the long term expansion of the town within the wider landscape; 3. Ensure that, through both on and off site measures, any significant adverse impacts on European sites through recreational pressure will be mitigated in accordance with Policies CP 7 and DM 28, including a financial contribution towards the Strategic Access Management and Monitoring Strategy; 4. Provide a financial contribution toward the improvement of existing sports pitch and formal play facilities; 5. Undertake a Transport Assessment and implement any highway and other transportation improvements arising from the proposed development; 6. Secure pedestrian and cycle links to existing and proposed residential and employment areas and adequate bus access to the site; 7. Ensure development does not prejudice the safeguarded future alignment of the Sittingbourne Northern Relief Road Bapchild section in accordance with Policy AS 1 and make an appropriate contribution toward it, if required; 8. Address the risk of flooding in accordance with Policy DM 21; 9. Provide renewable energy measures in accordance with an assessment of potential; and 10. Provide infrastructure needs arising from the development, including those identified by the Local Plan Implementation and Delivery Schedule, in particular, those relating to health and education.

Milton Pipes, Mill Way, Sittingbourne

Planning permission will be granted for a minimum of 240 dwellings at Milton Pipes, Mill Way, Sittingbourne, as shown on the Proposals Map. Development proposals will: 1. Be led by an integrated landscape strategy that will include a substantial landscaped edge to Mill Way that will include street trees and open space with the objective overall of achieving a net gain in biodiversity and minimising impacts on European wildlife habitats; 2. Achieve a design and layout that enhances the quality of the environment in Mill Way and St. Paul's Street and safeguards the views and setting of the Milton Regis Conservation Area; 3. Enhance pedestrian and cycle links to the town centre, adjoining residential areas and to Milton Creek, including making a contribution toward the provision of the proposed landmark footbridge to the Crown Quay Lane housing allocation (Policy A 9); 4. Proposals will ensure that, through both on and off site measures, any significant adverse impacts on European sites through recreational pressure will be mitigated in accordance with Policies CP 7 and DM 28, including a financial contribution towards the Strategic Access Management and Monitoring Strategy; 5. Achieve a mix of housing in accordance with Policy CP 3, including provision for affordable housing in accordance with Policy DM 8; 6. Undertake a transport assessment and implement any highway and other transportation improvements arising from the proposed development; 7. Assess impacts upon and ensure that air quality objectives are not compromised; and 8. Provide infrastructure needs arising from the development, including those identified by the Local Plan Implementation and Delivery Schedule.

Land at Plover Road, Minster

Planning permission will be granted for a minimum of 97 dwellings at Plover Road, Minster, as shown on the Proposals Map. Development proposals will: 1. Create an attractive landscaped frontage to Parish Road; 2. Achieve a mix of housing in accordance with Policy CP 3, including provision for affordable housing in accordance with Policy DM 8; 3. Assess and undertake any mitigation needed for impacts upon archaeology; 4. Prepare a Transport Assessment and implement any highway and other transportation improvements arising from the proposed developments implemented; 5. Provide infrastructure needs arising from the development, including those identified by the Local Plan Implementation and Delivery Schedule, notably for education and health provision; and 6. Ensure that, through both on and off site measures, any significant adverse impacts on European sites through recreational pressure will be mitigated in accordance with Policies CP 7 and DM 28, including a financial contribution towards the Strategic Access Management and Monitoring Strategy.

Land west of Barton Hill Drive, Minster

Planning permission will be granted for a minimum of 620 dwellings, including landscape, open space and transport improvements on land to the west of Barton Hill Drive, Minster, as shown on the Proposals Map. Proposals shall accord with a Masterplan/development brief and these, together with planning applications will: 1. Accord with Policy CP 4, in particular provide a strong landscape framework (shown by a submitted Landscape Strategy and a Landscape and Ecological Management Plan) to integrate the development into the wider landscape and achieve a net gain in biodiversity, including the provision of: a. substantial woodland buffers on the southern and western boundaries of the development and, if necessary, on adjoining land, to be provided as advance planting; b. open space to serve the needs of the development, including a significant proportion of Accessible Natural Greenspace, and green corridors incorporating existing and new footpath routes; c. retention of existing site features, including existing hedgerows and the overgrown orchard to the rear of Parsonage Chase, which shall be positively managed; d. a site wide landform parameter plan, showing how the existing landform will be respected and how the extent of cut and fill associated with roads and developable parcels will be minimised; and e. conserve the setting of the listed building at Parsonage Farm and undertake a Heritage Assessment, assessing any potential impact on heritage assets. 2. Achieve high quality design, responding to local landscape character and distinctiveness as identified by the the Swale Landscape Character and Biodiversity Appraisal, 2011. Building heights should reflect the scale and form of existing surrounding development. Individual reserve matters planning applications will be governed by an agreed design code; 3. Through both on and off site measures, ensure that any significant adverse impacts on European sites through recreational pressure shall be mitigated in accordance with Policies CP 7 and DM 28, including a financial contribution towards the Strategic Access Management and Monitoring Strategy; 4. Provide a mix of housing in accordance with Policy CP 3, including provision for affordable housing in accordance with Policy DM 8; 5. Be accompanied by a Health Impact Assessment in accordance with Policy CP 5; 6. Provide a footpath and cycle path links to the surrounding area; 7. Deliver a scheme of transport improvements to address capacity issues in the area including the A2500 between Cowstead Corner and Barton Hill Drive, the junction of the A2500 with Barton Hill Drive and provisions for cyclist and public transport (inc. rail facilities); and 8. Provision of infrastructure needs arising from the development, including those identified by the Local Plan Implementation and Delivery Schedule, notably education and health provision.

Land at Belgrave Road, Halfway

Planning permission will be granted for a minimum of 140 dwellings, together with open space and landscaping on land at Belgrave Road, Halfway, as shown on the Proposals Map. Development proposals will: 1. Be in accordance with Policy CP 4 and, in particular, demonstrate and provide a strong landscape framework (shown by a submitted Landscape Strategy and a Landscape and Ecological Management Plan) to include: a. enhanced hedgerow and woodland planting on the southern and western boundaries to form a new, attractive urban edge; and b. green corridors with footpath and cycle path routes through the site. 2. Be of a high quality of design and of predominantly two storeys in height, demonstrating any higher development will not breach the skyline of Furze Hill in views from the south. The southern edge of the development should face outwards onto the countryside; 3. Through both on and off site measures, that any significant adverse impacts on European sites through recreational pressure shall be mitigated in accordance with Policies CP 7 and DM 28, including a financial contribution towards the Strategic Access Management and Monitoring Strategy; 4. Provide for a mix of housing in accordance with Policy CP 3, including provision for affordable housing in accordance with Policy DM 8; 5. Provide appropriate vehicle access, including a separate emergency access point off Rosemary Avenue, if required, subject to demonstrating that the playing field is either no longer required, or provision of suitable alternative as part of the application and safeguarded by a legal agreement; 6. Provide a Transport Assessment which shall examine the capacity and need for improvements to the local network; and 7. Provide the infrastructure needs arising from the development, including those identified by the Local Plan Implementation and Delivery Schedule, particularly education and health provision.

Land west of Faversham

Planning permission will be granted for housing development on land west of Faversham, as shown on the Proposals Map. Development proposals will: 1. Provide a design and layout which responds to the prominent position of the site on the western approach to Faversham. Development will be led by an integrated landscape strategy that will provide landscaping and habitat creation to achieve a substantial landscaped western boundary to the site to additionally minimise visual impacts; 2. Improve the quality of the environment and housing choice to strengthen the housing market area of the adjacent deprived neighbourhood; 3. Produce a mix of housing in accordance with Policy CP 3, including provision for affordable housing in accordance with Policy DM 8; 4. Undertake a Transport Assessment and implement any highway and other transportation improvements arising from the proposed development; 5. Achieve pedestrian and cycle links to existing residential areas; 6. Assess impacts upon and ensure that air quality objectives are not compromised; 7. Assess and respond to any undesignated heritage assets on and adjoining the site in accordance with Policy CP 8; 8. Achieve a net gain for biodiversity overall by: a. preparation of an ecological assessment to determine the site's interests (including the adjacent roadside nature reserve) and to bring forward proposals for mitigation if adverse impacts cannot be avoided, having considered the retention of existing vegetation/habitats as far as possible; b. using appropriate landscaping and open space to encourage biodiversity and to offset any recreational impacts that may arise; c. making an assessment of potential impacts upon the Bysing Wood local wildlife site and providing such measures for their mitigation; and d. ensuring that, through both on and off site measures, any significant adverse impacts on European sites through recreational pressure will be mitigated in accordance with Policies CP 7 and DM 28, including a financial contribution towards the Strategic Access Management and Monitoring Strategy. 9. Provide infrastructure needs arising from the development, including those identified by the Local Plan Implementation and Delivery Schedule.

Land north of Graveney Road, Faversham

Planning permission will be granted for a minimum of 90 dwellings on land at Graveney Road, as shown on the Proposals Map. Development proposals will: 1. Remove poor quality buildings and achieve a high quality built and landscape design befitting the prominent position of the site; 2. Ensure that access to land subject to Policy A 6 is facilitated or, if not desirable/practical, not compromised; 3. Prepare a Transport Assessment, having regard to any proposals for the land to the east, and implement any highway and other transportation improvements arising from the proposed developments; 4. Improve connectivity for pedestrians, cyclists and public transport to the town centre and other locations; 5. Assess the noise impacts arising from the nearby railway line; 6. Ensure that, through both on and off site measures, any significant adverse impacts on European sites through recreational pressure will be mitigated in accordance with Policies CP 7 and DM 28, including a financial contribution towards the Strategic Access Management and Monitoring Strategy; 7. Assess the likely impact upon the Abbey Fields Local Wildlife Site, and if, necessary bring forward mitigation proposals; 8. Achieve a mix of housing in accordance with Policy CP 3, including provision for affordable housing in accordance with Policy DM 8; and 9. Provide infrastructure needs arising from the development, including education and health provision, and as identified by the Local Plan Implementation and Delivery Schedule.

Land at Preston Fields, Faversham

Planning permission will be granted for a minimum of 217 dwellings, landscape and open space on land at Preston Fields, Faversham, as shown on the Proposals Map. Development proposals will: 1. Accord with Policy CP4, in particular, demonstrating an integrated Landscape Strategy and a Landscape and Ecological Management Plan that shall include: a. a large area of accessible natural greenspace in the southern part of the site, including a substantial area of woodland, orchard and meadow planting to help absorb the development into the wider landscape; b. a green corridor running through the centre of the development along the valley bottom; c. retention of a corridor view to Faversham and Preston Parish Church towers; d. a large green space adjoining Canterbury Road and the Conservation Area: and e. woodland/tree belt buffer on the north eastern boundary. 2. Be of a high quality design, of mostly two storeys in height responding appropriately to the local character and distinctiveness of the Preston-next-Faversham Conservation Area; 3. Through both on and off site measures, ensure that any significant adverse impacts on European sites through recreational pressure shall be mitigated in accordance with Policies CP 7 and DM 28, including a financial contribution towards the Strategic Access Management and Monitoring Strategy; 4. Provide pedestrian and cycle links within the development and to the adjacent network; 5. Achieve a mix of housing in accordance with Policy CP 3, including provision for affordable housing in accordance with Policy DM8; 6. Submit a detailed heritage assessment to consider the significance of the impact of development at the local level on the heritage setting of the town and other heritage assets in accordance with policies DM 32-DM 34. An archaeological assessment should consider the importance of the site and, if necessary propose mitigation; 7. Submit a noise assessment and implement any mitigation arising; 8. Address air quality impacts arising in the Ospringe AQMA, including the implementation of innovative mitigation measures; 9. Be supported by a Transport Assessment, to determine the need and timing for any improvements to the transport network, the phasing of development, the options for accessing the site and any transport improvements arising which shall be subject to developer contributions/provision; and 10. Provide the infrastructure needs arising from the development, including those identified by the Local Plan Implementation and Delivery Schedule, particularly health and education provision.

Iwade expansion

Planning permission will be granted for a minimum of 572 dwellings at Iwade, as shown on the Proposals Map, together with a new country park, landscape and ecological enhancements and community facilities. Landowners and developers will be required to co-ordinate on the preparation, consultation and approval of a Masterplan/development brief. The Masterplan/development brief and planning applications will: 1. Be in accordance with Policy CP 4 and in particular, demonstrate and provide a strong landscape framework (shown by a submitted Landscape Strategy and a Landscape and Ecological Management Plan), which shall: a. assess biodiversity interests, including, preparation of a Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA) to demonstrate that development is not likely to have a significant effect on a Special Protection Area (SPA); b. ensure appropriate opportunities for use of the site by residents and visitors (particularly for dog walking) and to establish such land as a country park so as to meet site mitigation in the form of Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace (SANG). Overall, proposals will ensure that, through both on and off site measures, any significant adverse impacts on European sites arising from recreational pressure and other impacts will be mitigated in accordance with Policies CP 7 and DM 28, including a financial contribution towards the Strategic Access Management and Monitoring Strategy; c. within the HRA, assess impact pathways from disturbance on the integrity of the European designated SPA during construction and operation of the site and recommend mitigation as appropriate; d. be informed by an ecological assessment detailing the impacts upon protected species and habitats and to make recommendations for their avoidance, mitigation and, where appropriate, compensation; e. secure the agreement and implementation of a management plan for the whole country park to clarify the proposals for various habitats across the site, the extent of public access and types of recreational use, and to provide proposals for the sustainable and

Land north of High Street, Newington

Planning permission will be granted for a minimum of 115 dwellings, landscape and open space on land to north of the High Street, Newington, as shown on the Proposals Map. Development proposals will: 1. Be in accordance with Policy CP 4 and in particular demonstrate an integrated Landscape Strategy and a Landscape and Ecological Management Plan to include: a. a large area of green space in the eastern third of the site, including a substantial area of woodland, orchard and meadow planting to help absorb the development into the wider landscape; b. green corridors within the development; c. reinforced boundary hedgerow planting; and d. a high quality design, respecting the settlement form/pattern, character and rural landscape setting of the village as identified by the the Swale Landscape Character and Biodiversity Appraisal, 2011. 2. Provide for a mix of housing in accordance with Policy CP 3, including provision for affordable housing in accordance with Policy DM 8; 3. Through both on and off site measures, ensure that any significant adverse impacts on European sites through recreational pressure shall be mitigated in accordance with Policies CP 7 and DM 28, including a financial contribution towards the Strategic Access Management and Monitoring Strategy; 4. Submit a detailed heritage assessment to consider the significance of the impact of development on the setting of the conservation and other heritage assets in accordance with policies DM 32-DM 33. An archaeological assessment should consider the importance of the site and, if necessary propose mitigation in accordance with Policy DM 34; 5. Address air quality impacts arising in the Newington AQMA, including the implementation of innovative mitigation measures; 6. Address any issues arising from a Noise Assessment; 7. Secure pedestrian and cycle access to Church Lane and a footpath connection east to west; 8. Be supported by a Transport Assessment, to be submitted with any planning application, to determine the need and timing for any improvements to the transport network and the phasing of development. A financial contribution toward any such improvements will be sought; and 9. Provide infrastructure needs arising from the development, including that identified by the Local Plan Implementation and Delivery Plan, in particular for improved primary education and health services and, if required, provision of a new community building.

Land east of Station Road, Teynham

Planning permission will be granted for a minimum of 107 dwellings, together with landscape and open space on Land east of Station Road, Teynham, as shown on the Proposals Map. Development proposals will: 1. Accord with Policy CP 4, in particular demonstrate and provide a strong landscape framework (shown by a submitted Landscape Strategy and a Landscape and Ecological Management Plan) that includes: a. retention and enhancement of existing hedgerows; b. provision of new hedgerow planting; c. retention, enhancement and appropriate management of the existing traditional orchard; and d. new orchard planting for the landscaped areas of the new development. 2. Be of high quality design, of two storeys height, adjacent to the existing residential development and the countryside edge, and respond appropriately to the character, setting, design and materials of the Teynham Conservation Area in accordance with Policy DM 32 and DM 33; 3. Achieve a mix of housing in accordance with Policy CP 3, including provision for affordable housing in accordance with Policy DM 8; 4. Through both on and off site measures, ensure that any significant adverse impacts on European sites through recreational pressure is mitigated in accordance with Policies CP 7 and DM 28, including a financial contribution towards the Strategic Access Management and Monitoring Strategy; 5. Provide an off-street car park to address on-street car parking problems on Station Road; 6. Provide an Archaeological Assessment to consider the importance of the site and, if necessary propose mitigation; 7. Provide a new access road from Station Road, a separate emergency access onto Station Road and pedestrian and cycle access onto Station Road and the A2; 8. Address air quality impacts arising in the Teynham AQMA, including the implementation of innovative mitigation measures; 9. Be supported by a Transport Assessment and provide appropriate traffic improvements and management measures, including at the junction of Station Road and the A2 and at other locations as appropriate; and 10. Provide the infrastructure needs arising from the development, including those identified by the Local Plan implementation and delivery schedule, in particular those relating to improvements in primary school and health facilities.

New allocations on sites within existing settlements

Planning permission will be granted for residential development at the following locations: 1. Orbital, Staplehurst Road, Sittingbourne - 60 dwellings, 1.5 ha 2. 152 Staplehurst Road - 75 dwellings, 1.8 ha 3. Lydbrook Close - 70 dwellings, 1.7 ha 4. 35 High Street, Milton Regis - 10 dwellings, 0.2 ha 5. Freesia, Grovehurst Road - 15 dwellings, 0.3 ha 6. Bysingwood Primary School, Faversham - 15 dwellings, 0.7 ha 7. Faversham Police Station - 12 dwellings, 0.2 ha 8. Preston Skreens, Minster Road, Minster - 24 dwellings, 0.6 ha 9. Halfway Houses Primary School, Halfway - 60 dwellings, 1.5 ha 10. Manor Road, Queenborough - 6 dwellings, 0.1 ha 11. The Foundry, Rushenden Road - 37 dwellings, 0.4 ha 12. Former Bus Depot, Shellness Road, Leysdown - 10 dwellings, 0.2 ha 13. Iwade Fruit and Produce, Iwade - 21 dwellings, 0.5 ha 14. Iwade Village Centre - 10 dwellings, 0.2 ha Development proposals will: 1. Address the matters listed in Table 6.5.1; 2. Assess whether existing open space should be retained and make new provision as required; 3. Achieve design, layout, density and landscaping appropriate to the context of the site and in accordance with Policy CP 4; 4. Avoid adverse impacts on biodiversity where possible, mitigate adverse impacts to acceptable levels and achieve a net gain where possible. Proposals will ensure that, through both on and off-site measures, any significant adverse impacts on European sites through recreational pressure will be mitigated in accordance with Policies CP 7 and DM 28, including a financial contribution towards the Strategic Access Management and Monitoring Strategy; 5. Accord with any approved development briefs; 6. Through use of integrated landscape strategies, retain existing trees and vegetation where possible and enhance through appropriate landscaping; 7. Provide safe access to the site and respond to issues highlighted by an appropriate transport assessment; 8. Make the site safe from contamination and flood risk; 9. Meet open space needs in accordance with Policy DM 17; 10. Safeguard as far as appropriate, the amenities of existing and new residents; 11. Achieve a mix of housing in accordance with Policy CP 3, including provision for affordable housing in accordance with Policy DM 8; and 12. Provide infrastructure needs arising from the development, including those identified by the Local Plan implementation and Delivery Schedule.

Smaller allocations as extensions to settlements

Planning permission will be granted for residential development at the following locations listed below: 1. Land North of Key Street, Sittingbourne (30 dwellings, 1.6 ha) 2. Manor Farm (30 dwellings, 2.3 ha) 3. Junction of Scocles Road and Elm Lane, Minster and Halfway (50 dwellings, 2.8 ha) 4. Land at Chequers Road (10 dwellings, 0.4 ha) 5. Minster Academy (20 dwellings, 1.2 ha) 6. Nil Desperandum, Alsager Avenue, Queenborough and Rushenden (22 dwellings, 0.8 ha) 7. Land at Ham Road, Faversham (35 dwellings, 1.1 ha) 8. West of Brogdale Road (66 dwellings, 3.6 ha) 9. Parsonage Farm, School Lane, Newington (14 dwellings, 0.5 ha) 10. North of High Street, Eastchurch (15 dwellings, 0.8 ha) 11. Land off Colonel's Lane, Boughton (15 dwellings, 0.8 ha) 12. Land south of Colonel's Lane (6 dwellings, 0.3 ha) 13. Bull Lane (16 dwellings, 0.5 ha) 14. Land adj Mayfield, London Road, Teynham (13 dwellings, 0.3 ha) 15. Land at Barrow Green Farm, Lower Road (30 dwellings, 1.1 ha) Development proposals will: 1. Address the matters listed in Table 6.5.3; 2. Achieve design, layout, density and landscaping appropriate to the context of the site and in accordance with Policy CP 4; 3. Avoid adverse impacts on biodiversity where possible, mitigate adverse impacts to acceptable levels and achieve a net gain where possible. Proposals will ensure that, through both on and off site measures, any significant adverse impacts on European sites through recreational pressure will be mitigated in accordance with Policies CP 7 and DM 28, including a financial contribution towards the Strategic Access Management and Monitoring Strategy; 4. Through an integrated landscape strategy and the scale and location of development, retain existing trees and vegetation where possible and enhance through appropriate landscaping, mitigate visual impacts upon landscapes and the integrity of settlements; 5. Provide safe access to the site and respond to issues highlighted by an appropriate transport assessment; 6. Assess whether existing open space should be retained and make new provision as required; 7. Make the site safe from contamination and flood risk; 8. Meet open space needs in accordance with Policy DM 17; 9. Safeguard as far as appropriate, the amenities of existing and new residents; 10. Achieve a mix of housing in accordance with Policy CP 3, including provision for affordable housing in accordance with Policy DM 8; and 11. Provide infrastructure needs arising from the development, including those identified by the Local Plan implementation and Delivery Schedule.

Thistle Hill, Minster

Planning permission will be granted for land allocated for housing, as shown on the Proposals Map, at Thistle Hill, Minster, Isle of Sheppey. Development proposals will accord with the approved development briefs and satisfactorily address archaeological issues and provide the infrastructure needs arising from the development, including those identified by the Local Plan Infrastructure and Delivery Schedule (including, if justified by a transport assessment, a financial contribution toward improvements to the A2500). Proposals will also ensure that, through both on and off site measures, any significant adverse impacts on European sites through recreational pressure will be mitigated in accordance with Policies CP 7 and DM 28, including a financial contribution towards the Strategic Access Management and Monitoring Strategy.

Stones Farm, Canterbury Road, Sittingbourne

Planning permission will be granted for 550-600 dwellings, together with open space and landscaping at Stones Farm, Sittingbourne, as shown on the Proposals Map. Development proposals will: 1. Accord with the adopted Development Brief Supplementary Planning Document; 2. Achieve a design and layout reflecting the prominent and sensitive position of the site as the new eastern edge of Sittingbourne; 3. Provide open space to meet the needs of residents, including the provision of 15 ha of land to the east of the developed area so as to maintain the separation between Sittingbourne and Bapchild; 4. Achieve pedestrian and cycle links to existing residential areas; 5. Provide for a mix of housing in accordance with Policy CP 3, including provision for affordable housing in accordance with Policy DM 8; 6. Through an integrated landscape strategy achieve a green buffer to the development and through landscaping and the management of open space, provide natural and semi-natural greenspace and achieve a net gain in biodiversity overall; 7. Provide the infrastructure needs arising from the development, including those identified by the Local Plan Infrastructure and Delivery Schedule (including, if justified by a transport assessment, a financial contribution toward the Sittingbourne Northern Relief Road); and 8. Ensure that, through both on and off site measures, any significant adverse impacts on European sites through recreational pressure will be mitigated in accordance with Policies CP 7 and DM 28, including a financial contribution towards the Strategic Access Management and Monitoring Strategy.

Land at Crown Quay Lane, Sittingbourne

Subject to securing high quality design and an appropriate mix, planning permission will be granted for a minimum of 650 dwellings, open space and habitat creation at Crown Quay Lane, Sittingbourne, as shown on the Proposals Map. Development proposals will: 1. Accord with a Masterplan/Development Brief (developed through stakeholder consultation, including the Borough Council and Swale Design Panel), which shall demonstrate a comprehensive approach to the bringing forward of the whole allocation; 2. Achieve high quality design befitting the prominent position of the site on Milton Creek and in important views; 3. Restore and enhance land on the creek frontage to provide open space and a creekside path to meet the needs of residents, mitigate flood risk (if required) and create creekside biodiversity habitats; 4. Incorporate an integrated landscape strategy that will create a strong landscaped framework of open spaces, habitat retention and creation and planting, including the use of tree lined streets within the development and at Crown Quay Lane and Eurolink Way; 5. Achieve pedestrian/cycle links to the town centre and pedestrian links to the Sittingbourne Retail Park, Milton Creek and its Country Park (via a landmark bridge); 6. Ensure that, through both on and off site measures, any significant adverse impacts on local wildlife sites are mitigated in accordance with Policy DM 28. In the case of such impacts upon European designated sites, these will be mitigated in accordance with Policies CP 7 and DM 28, including a financial contribution towards the Strategic Access Management and Monitoring Strategy; 7. Undertake flood risk assessment in accordance with Policy DM 21 to ensure that flood risk is not increased at adjacent sites and to bring forward proposals that create and utilise water features (inc. use of sustainable urban drainage) within the development; 8. Achieve a mix of housing in accordance with Policy CP 3, including provision for affordable housing in accordance with Policy DM 8; 9. Be accompanied by a Health Impact Assessment in accordance with Policy CP 5, which shall also include an assessment of the impacts on residential areas from adjacent commercial uses; 10. Assess and respond to and mitigate impacts on any heritage assets; 11. Undertake a transport assessment and implement any highway and other transportation improvements arising from the proposed development; 12. Assess impacts upon and ensure that air quality objectives are not compromised; and 13. Provide infrastructure needs arising from the development, including those identified by the Local Plan Implementation and Delivery Schedule, in particular, health facilities.

Delivering a wide choice of high quality homes

Actions by the public, private and voluntary sectors shall work towards the delivery of a wide choice of high quality homes that extend opportunities for home ownership and create sustainable, inclusive and mixed communities. Development proposals will, as appropriate: 1. Be steered to locations in accordance with Policy ST 3, including: a. Local Plan allocations, Neighbourhood Plans and Community Right to Build initiatives; b. windfall sites, except where the character of the site, its local context or environmental value determines otherwise; c. town centres when contributing to their vitality and viability; or d. deprived communities when improving local housing markets. 2. Tailor the purpose and objectives of housing proposals to the issues present within local housing market areas; 3. Use densities determined by the context and the defining characteristics of the area 4. Provide affordable housing in accordance with Policy DM 8, or in rural areas, homes in accordance with Policy DM 9; 5. Achieve a mix of housing types, reflecting the findings of the current Strategic Housing Market Assessment or similar needs assessment; 6. Meet the housing requirements of specific groups, including families, older persons, or disabled and other vulnerable persons; 7. Bring vacant homes back into use and up to the Decent Homes standard; and 8. Achieve sustainable and high quality design in accordance with Policy CP 4 and Policy DM 19.

Gypsy and Traveller sites

Part A: Retention of sites for Gypsies and Travellers Existing permanent sites and those granted permanent planning permission will be safeguarded for use by Gypsies and Travellers, unless it is demonstrated the site is no longer suitable for such use. Part B: Gypsy and Traveller sites The Council will grant planning permission for sites for Gypsies, Travellers and Travelling Show People, where it is demonstrated that proposals: 1. Are in accordance with Policy ST 3 by reference to the deliverability of potential or existing sites at each settlement tier(s) above that proposed by the application, unless: a. there are exceptional mitigating and/or personal circumstances where the applicant has demonstrated that a particular site is required to meet their needs and where there is no overriding harm to the locality; or b. where required to meet an affordable housing need either via a rural exception site in accordance with Policy DM 9 or specific allocation; or c. the proposal is for an extension to, or stationing of, additional caravans at an existing site. 2. Can establish that the applicants have previously led a nomadic lifestyle, the reasons for ceasing a nomadic lifestyle and/or an intention to return to a nomadic lifestyle in accordance with Annex 1 of Planning Policy for Traveller Sites (2015); 3. Can achieve an integrated co-existence between all communities; 4. Are of a scale appropriate to meet the accommodation need identified and not introduce a scale of development that singly or cumulatively dominates the nearest settlement or causes significant harm to the character of an area, its landscape, or the capacity of local services; 5. Can, where appropriate, accommodate living and working in the same location, either through a mixed use site or on land nearby, whilst having regard to the safety and amenity of occupants and neighbouring residents; 6. Cause no significant harm to the health and wellbeing of occupants or others by noise, disturbance, vibration, air quality or other circumstances; 7. Cause no significant harm to the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, national/local landscape or biodiversity designations and other natural or built environment that cannot be adequately mitigated; 8. Provide landscaping to enhance the environment in a way that increases openness and avoids exclusion and isolation from the rest of the community; 9. Provide for healthy lifestyles through open space, amenity areas for each pitch and play areas; 10. Would be safe from flooding by meeting both the exceptions and sequential tests in accordance with national policy and Policy DM21; 11. Achieve safe and convenient parking and pedestrian and/or vehicular access without unacceptable impact on highway safety; and 12. Where appropriate, include visitor or transit pitches and/or sufficient areas for future expansion. Planning conditions may be used to limit the length of time that caravans can stop at transit sites and on visitor pitches.

Extensions to, and replacement of, dwellings in the rural area

The Borough Council will permit the rebuilding of an existing dwelling in the rural area only if the proposed new dwelling is of a similar size and proportion, an appropriate scale, mass and appearance in relation to the original dwelling and location, or where it constitutes the most effective use of the land. The Council will permit extensions (taking into account any previous additions undertaken) to existing dwellings in the rural areas where they are of an appropriate scale, mass, and appearance in relation to the location.

Dwellings for rural workers

Planning permission will be granted for new, permanent, rural worker dwellings in the countryside, subject to: 1. There being a clearly established, existing, essential need for the proper functioning of the enterprise for a full-time worker to be readily available at most times; 2. There being no suitable existing dwelling available nearby or in a nearby settlement; 3. The location, scale and design of the dwelling maintaining or enhancing landscape and countryside character; and 4. The siting of the dwelling should, firstly, explore whether there are suitable buildings available for conversion at the enterprise, or secondly, in the case of a demonstrated need for a new building, that it is located as close as possible to existing buildings on previously developed land at the enterprise, or if this is not possible, within the immediate locality on an acceptable site.

Affordable housing

For development proposals of eleven or more dwellings, and where a need to provide affordable housing has been determined as appropriate (including within a rural area as determined by a Parish Housing Needs Assessment), provision will be made for affordable housing as follows: 1. In accordance with the affordable housing target ranges and as appropriate to the local housing market areas as follows: Affordable Housing Percentage Sought | Area 0% affordable housing | Isle of Sheppey 10% affordable housing | Sittingbourne town, urban extensions and Iwade 10% affordable housing if a zero CIL rate applied | Strategic Site at NW Sittingbourne (Policy MU1) 35% affordable housing | Faversham town and urban extensions 40% affordable housing | All other rural areas 0% affordable older person housing | All areas 2. The size, tenure and type of affordable housing units in accordance with the needs of the area; 3. Where possible, by designing homes for use by disabled, elderly and vulnerable residents; 4. Where possible, by supporting Starter Homes in appropriate circumstances and locations; 5. In exceptional circumstances, and in accordance with a supplementary planning document to be prepared by the Borough Council: a. on-site affordable housing provision may be commuted to a financial contribution to be used off-site, singly or in combination with other contributions. Commuted sums may also be considered in respect of sites at Faversham and the rural areas so as to support the provision of affordable housing in less viable locations; or b. where no Registered Social Landlord is available, the full affordable housing provision requirement will be cascaded to another provider and/or site or via a commuted sum, its calculation having regard to the full amount of market housing that has been achieved on the site; or c. where an applicant can demonstrate that providing the full affordable housing provision would result in the scheme becoming unviable, a reduced requirement may be considered and will be subject to a legal agreement to ensure that full provision of affordable housing is reconsidered should land values rise prior to the commencement of development or any subsequent phases and/or an adjustment made to the tenure split. 6. If evidence demonstrates that economic conditions, or the proposed characteristics of the development or its location, have positively changed the impact of viability of the provision of affordable housing, the Council will seek a proportion of affordable housing closer to the assessed level of need, or higher if development viability is not compromised.

Rural exceptions housing

Planning permission for affordable housing to meet local needs in rural areas will be granted provided: 1. The site accords with Policy ST 3 and/or is in a location where access to day to day services can be conveniently and easily achieved; 2. The site and proposed development would not have a significant adverse impact upon the character of the settlement, the surrounding countryside and the amenity of the existing community; 3. A need for the scheme is clearly justified by the applicant, to the satisfaction of the Council, by providing the following to accompany a planning application: a. an up-to-date parish or village housing needs assessment undertaken or carried out by a recognised and appropriate body; b. a thorough site options appraisal; and c. a prepared statement of community involvement that has sought to include the significant input of the Parish Council. 4. In addition, for schemes including unrestricted market houses/plots for sale, justification will be provided by the applicant: a. to demonstrate that a scheme not relying on market housing has been considered and why it has been discounted or considered to be unviable; and b. as to the number and type of houses proposed, which will be determined by the housing needs assessment and through an appraisal of viability to show the minimum provision of unrestricted market homes necessary to deliver a significantly greater proportion of local affordable homes for that site. 5. Proposals will be subject to a legal agreement that provides for the permanent control and management of any affordable housing to ensure its long-term retention for local need.

Land at north-west Sittingbourne

Planning permission will be granted for mixed uses on land at North West Sittingbourne, as shown on the Proposals Map and will comprise a minimum of 1,500 dwellings, community facilities and structural landscaping and open space adjacent the A249. Development proposals will: 1. Be in accordance with a Masterplan/Development brief prepared by the landowners/developers involved in the delivery of the allocation, in consultation with the Borough Council and which reflects the requirements of this policy; 2. Be in accordance with Policy CP 4 and in particular, achieve an integrated landscape strategy to provide a minimum of 22 ha natural and semi-natural greenspace and other open space as a continuous buffer along the A249 that will form part of the important local countryside gap between Sittingbourne and Bobbing/Iwade in accordance with Policy DM 25 and Policy A 17 for Iwade, as well as contributing toward an appropriate link between the two via Bramblefield Lane/old Sheppey Way. This area will link to a network of green spaces and corridors throughout the allocation to achieve open space provision; 3. Ensure that, through both on and off site measures, any significant adverse impacts on European sites through recreational pressure will be mitigated in accordance with Policies CP 7 and DM 28, including a financial contribution towards the Strategic Access Management and Monitoring Strategy; 4. Provide on-site flood mitigation measures; 5. Integrate heritage assets, having regard to their setting; 6. Be accompanied by a Health Impact Assessment in accordance with Policy CP 5; 7. Be supported by a Transport A

Land at south-west Sittingbourne

Planning permission will be granted for a minimum of 564 dwellings, commercial floorspace (including potential neighbourhood facilities), landscaping and open space on land at south-west Sittingbourne (Borden), as shown on the Proposals Map. Development shall take place in accordance with a Masterplan/development brief (developed through stakeholder consultation). These and submitted planning applications will demonstrate and encompass: 1. Accordance with Policy CP 4, in particular, a strong landscape framework, achieving a net gain in biodiversity (to be shown by an integrated Landscape Strategy and a Landscape and Ecological Management Plan) and including; a. provision of a substantial landscape and green space buffer, provided in advance of new development so as to ensure the mitigation of adverse visual impacts and the maintenance of a long term local countryside gap between Sittingbourne and Borden, in accordance with Policy DM 25; b. provision of green corridors and other green spaces within the development to: ensure an attractive living environment; assist in mitigating wider landscape and visual impacts; link with other existing open spaces; achieve a net gain in biodiversity; and meet open space needs in accordance with policy DM 17. 2. A high quality design reflecting the rural and village character of the locality, with varying densities that are able to respond appropriately to the local landscape character and distinctiveness of Sittingbourne and Borden as identified by the the Swale Landscape Character and Biodiversity Appraisal, 2011; 3. Mitigation of visual impacts and implementation of public access to, and appropriate management of, the designated Local Green Space at the junction of Auckland Drive and Borden Lane; 4. Through both on and off site measures, ensure that any significant adverse impacts on European sites through recreational pressure shall be mitigated in accordance with Policies CP 7 and DM 28, including a financial contribution towards the Strategic Access Management and Monitoring Strategy; 5. Undertake a Heritage Assessment to determine heritage impacts and to propose mitigation as necessary. There should be no substantial harm to the setting of Cryalls Farmhouse. Any assessment should include a full archaeological assessment and development should respond to its findings in terms of the overall layout of development, bringing forward proposals for mitigation as necessary; 6. Provision of appropriate access to the site, with a Transport Assessment/design statement at the Masterplan/development brief and planning application stages to further consider: a. the implications of a range of potential accesses options, including any linked road between Wises Lane (A2) and Borden Lane (including its design principles, character, impacts upon trees, historic influences and routing); b. the phasing of development relative to, and financial contributions toward, improvements to the A249 at its junctions with the M2 and at Key Street and other A249 junctions west of Sittingbourne; c. the need, timing and provision of transport improvements at junctions with the A2, together with other residential streets and rural lanes as may be determined; d. whether effective and sensitively designed traffic management measures (inc. possible road closure and the creation of green quiet lanes) will be necessary in parts of Cryalls Lane, Wises Lane and Riddles Road so as to manage traffic levels on rural roads to the south and residential areas to the east, whilst maintaining and enhancing opportunities for walking and cycling; e. providing public transport, pedestrian and cycle links within the development and to the adjacent network; 7. A Health Impact Assessment in accordance with Policy CP 5; 8. The retention and enhancement of any designated Rural Lane, in accordance with Policy DM 26; 9. Provision of a mix of housing in accordance with Policy CP 3, including provision for affordable housing in accordance with Policy DM 8; 10. An assessment of potential noise and contamination and any mitigation necessary to address it; and 11. Provision of infrastructure needs arising from the development, including those identified by the Local Plan Implementation and Delivery Schedule. This shall include provision by the developer of a one-form primary school and contributions toward the expansion needs of local heath, community, learning and skills and youth services.

Land at Frognal Lane, Teynham

Planning permission will be granted for mixed uses comprising approximately 260 dwellings, 26,840 sq m of 'B' use class employment, open space and landscaping on land at Frognal Lane, Teynham, as shown on the Proposals Map. Development proposals will: 1. Provide an integrated landscape strategy that will achieve a net gain in biodiversity and natural/semi-natural greenspace, integrate the development and its access road within the wider landscape and create a strong landscape structure to incorporate existing vegetation and create new planting and habitats; 2. Prepare a heritage assessment and, if necessary, provide for adequate mitigation measures to be put in place; 3. Provide open space and sports facilities to meet the needs of both the existing and new residents, with no net loss in existing provision; 4. Secure pedestrian and cycle links between the existing community, the proposed development area and the services and facilities within Teynham; 5. Avoid increased use of the Lower Road and junction of the A2 and Frognal Lane by bringing forward, as appropriate, traffic management measures within Frognal Lane and on the A2 within the village; 6. Bring forward such transport improvements and other mitigation as required by a Transport Assessment; 7. Achieve a mix of housing in accordance with Policy CP 3 and any village/parish housing needs assessment, including provision for affordable housing in accordance with Policy DM 8; 8. Locate and provide employment uses appropriate to the amenity of existing residents; 9. Ensure waste water connections at points that are adequate in their capacity; 10. Ensure that, through both on and off site measures, any significant adverse impacts on European sites through recreational pressure will be mitigated in accordance with Policies CP 7 and DM 28, including a financial contribution towards the Strategic Access Management and Monitoring Strategy; 11. Achieve improvements to education, library and health facilities at the village; 12. Address air quality impacts arising in the Teynham AQMA, including the implementation of innovative mitigation measures; and 13. Provide infrastructure needs arising from the development, including those identified by the Local Plan Implementation and Delivery Schedule, in particular for health and primary school provision.

Perry Court Farm, Faversham

Planning permission will be granted for a mixed use development at Perry Court Farm, Faversham, as shown on the Proposals Map, to include a minimum of 370 dwellings (inc. care home), together with 18,525 sq. m of B1a, B1b, B1c class employment uses (with a further 2 ha reserved for future employment use), supporting uses and landscaping and open space. Development proposals will: 1. Be in accordance with Policy CP 4 and in particular demonstrate and provide a strong landscape framework (shown by a submitted Landscape Strategy and Landscape and Ecological Management Plan, informed by a landscape and visual impact assessment) to include: a. substantial width of woodland planting along the site boundary with the M2, which shall additionally safeguard the setting of the Kent Downs AONB; b. additional substantial areas of woodland planting and green space e.g. community orchards and allotments, within the south western quarter of the site near Brogdale Road; c. retained, managed and enhanced hedgerows and shelterbelts; d. footpath and cycle path routes within green corridors linked to the adjacent network; and e. planting selected to reinforce the local landscape character area. 2. Be of high quality design, with building siting, form, height and materials related to the existing built form and topography of the site and the surrounding context and to include consideration of: a. the setting of landscape and heritage assets; b. the rural approaches to the town; and c. building heights demonstrating they have been influenced by, and show respect for, views from the south. 3. Provide for a mix of housing in accordance with Policy CP 3, including provision for affordable housing in accordance with Policy DM 8; 4. Through both on and off site measures, ensure that any significant adverse impacts on European sites through recreational pressure is mitigated in accordance with Policies CP 7 and DM 28, including a financial contribution towards the Strategic Access Management and Monitoring Strategy; 5. Submit a detailed Heritage Assessment to consider the significance of the impact of development at the local level on the heritage setting of the town and other heritage assets in accordance with policies DM 32-DM 33. An archaeological assessment should consider the importance of the site and, if necessary propose mitigation in accordance with DM 34; 6. Provide the majority of B1 class employment floorspace as B1a (offices). Employment uses other than B1 will not be permitted unless it is clearly shown that B1 uses would not be achievable. Proposals for alternative employment uses must demonstrate they would not diminish the quality of the development, whilst proposals for main town centre uses will need to be the subject of an impact assessment; 7. Undertake an Air Quality Assessment to ensure that the Ospringe AQMA is not compromised, with, if necessary, the use of innovative mitigation measures; 8. Submit a Noise Assessment and implement any mitigation arising; 9. Be supported by a Transport Assessment to determine the need and timing for any improvements to the transport network and the phasing of development. Development shall undertake such mitigation as necessary which shall include: a. interim improvements at Junction 7 of the M2; b. improvements to the junctions of the A2/A251 and to the A2/Brogdale Road; c. pedestrian and cycling routes; d. public transport enhancements to improve links to the town centre; and e. implementation of an agreed travel Plan; and 10. Provide infrastructure needs arising from the development, including those matters identified by the Local Plan Implementation and Delivery Schedule, in particular those relating to libraries, education and health.

Meeting the Local Plan development targets

Land is allocated for development at the following locations on the Proposals Map or where identified as suitable for development within broad locations. Planning permission will be granted for such, whilst development quanta shall be the minimum to be achieved (unless site specific policies indicate otherwise), where in accordance with national or local planning policy.

Community facilities and services to meet local needs

The Council will work with developers and other public agencies to identify deficiencies in infrastructure. Development proposals will, as appropriate: 1. Deliver timely infrastructure, especially those forming part of the Local Plan implementation and delivery schedule; 2. Safeguard existing community services and facilities where they are viable or can be made so unless replacement facilities can be provided without leading to any shortfall in provision; 3. Provide for utility provision, including digital infrastructure to enable fast Internet accessibility; 4. Where the viability of development may be threatened as a result of requirements arising from the Local Plan: a. demonstrate their financial position via an open book assessment by the Council (at the developers' cost); and where this position is demonstrated: b. prioritise developer contributions in accordance with the Local Plan implementation and delivery plan; and c. agree mechanisms within a Section 106 Agreement to enable the position to be reviewed should development values rise during the course of the development phase. Where demonstrated, additional contributions will be made to ensure that infrastructure provision to meet the needs arising from the development is made.

Water, flooding and drainage

When considering the water-related, flooding and drainage implications of development, development proposals will: 1. Accord with national planning policy and planning practice guidance; 2. Avoid inappropriate development in areas at risk of flooding and where development would increase flood risk elsewhere; 3. Provide site specific flood risk assessments, as required, carried out to the satisfaction of the Environment Agency and, if relevant, the Internal Drainage Board. These will, where necessary, include details of new flood alleviation and flood defence measures to be installed and maintained by the developer; 4. Include, where possible, sustainable drainage systems to restrict runoff to an appropriate discharge rate, maintain or improve the quality of the receiving watercourse, to enhance biodiversity and amenity and increase the potential for grey water recycling. Drainage strategies (including surface water management schemes) for major developments should be carried out to the satisfaction of the Lead Local Flood Authority; 5. Integrate drainage measures within the planning and design of the project to ensure that the most sustainable option can be delivered, especially where, exceptionally, development is to be permitted in an area of flood risk; 6. Within areas at risk of flooding, submit a suitable flood warning and emergency plan that has been approved by the relevant emergency planning regime and, where appropriate, the emergency services; 7. Where necessary, demonstrate that adequate water supply and wastewater connection and treatment infrastructure is in place before construction commences and that these details have been approved by the appropriate water company and funded by the development where appropriate; 8. Ensure future unconstrained access to the existing and future sewerage and water supply infrastructure for maintenance and up-sizing purposes; 9. Make efficient use of water resources and protect the yield of local public water supplies. For new residential development, all homes to be designed to achieve a minimum water efficiency of 110 litres per person per day, in line with the Government's Housing Optional Technical Standard for water efficiency; and 10. Protect water quality, including safeguarding ground water source protection zones from pollution, to the satisfaction of the Environment Agency.

Implementation and Delivery Plan

The Council will work with developers and other public agencies to deliver the vision, objectives and strategy of the Local Plan. Partners will: 1. Have regard to the priorities set for the first five years of the Local Plan and make provision for the infrastructure intended to deliver it; 2. Review annually the Local Plan implementation and delivery schedule; 3. Monitor the milestones set out by the Local Plan implementation delivery plan. Significant failures within such milestones may act as a need to review the Local Plan and/or a need to bring forward one or more of the measures identified by the Local Plan implementation and delivery plan; 4. Address the risks associated with: a. poor growth in private sector employment; b. fragility in housing market/market capacity delaying investment in central Sittingbourne or Queenborough and Rushenden or other major housing sites; c. delays in central Sittingbourne regeneration creating further leakage in retail spending; d. key infrastructure lags behind growth leading to unacceptable consequences; and e. the alignment of jobs and housing.

The occupancy of holiday parks

In order to ensure a sustainable pattern of development and to protect the character of the countryside, planning permission will not be granted for the permanent occupancy of caravans and chalets. Where it can be demonstrated that higher quality standards of holiday accommodation can be secured, planning permission will be granted for proposals to extend the occupancy of holiday parks between 1 March and 2 January the following year (a 10 month occupancy), provided that: 1. The site is not at risk of flooding, unless, exceptionally, applications accompanied by a Flood Risk Assessment (FRA) satisfactorily demonstrating that the proposal would result in no greater risk to life or property and where an appropriate flood evacuation plan would be put in place; 2. The amenity and tranquillity of the countryside and residential areas are safeguarded; 3. The proposals are in accordance with Policies DM 22 and DM 23 relating to the coast and the coastal change management area; and 4. Where located adjacent or in close proximity to the Special Protection Areas (SPA), an assessment has been undertaken to determine the level of disturbance to over-wintering birds and identified mitigation measures, where appropriate. 5. The extension of occupancy is subject to planning conditions safeguarding the holiday accommodation from being used as sole or main residences, as set out in Appendix 2.

The Oare gravel workings, Oare Road, Faversham

Planning permission will be granted for mixed-uses, comprising 1,500 sq m of commercial floorspace, together with some 330 homes and proposals for the conservation, enhancement, and long term management of the site's ecological and heritage assets at Oare gravel workings, as shown on the Proposals Map. Development proposals will: 1. Achieve buildings and landscape design, which are bespoke and appropriate to the site's constraints and context and conforming to a technical development brief, the preparation of which will be a condition of any outline planning application; 2. Minimise adverse transport impacts (inc. those on air quality), whilst enhancing opportunities for walking and cycling; 3. In accordance with an integrated landscape strategy, minimise adverse landscape impacts, including those upon dark night time skies, landmark buildings and settlement separation, and retain existing vegetation where possible, screen existing visually detracting features and achieve a structural landscape scheme with substantial new landscaping; 4. Manage and minimise the risk of flooding having regard to the relevant Shoreline Management Plan; 5. Manage and enhance water features and quality as part of a water management plan that will include sustainable urban drainage measures; 6. Address any contamination to achieve a safe development; 7. Avoid, minimise and mitigate adverse impacts upon biodiversity and achieve a net gain in biodiversity by: a. assessing biodiversity interests, including, if required, a Habitats Regulations Assessment which will demonstrate that development is not likely to have a significant effect on the Special Protection Area (SPA); b. reducing recreational disturbance on the SPA, by ensuring appropriate opportunities for use of the site by residents and visitors (particularly for dog walking) and using such land to meet natural and semi-natural green space needs. Proposals will ensure that, through both on and off site measures, any significant adverse impacts on European sites through recreational pressure will be mitigated in accordance with Policies CP 7 and DM 28, including a financial contribution towards the Strategic Access Management and Monitoring Strategy; c. ensuring that habitats retained, enhanced and created are protected from later development, and remaining accessible to the public; insofar as compatible with the objectives of criterion 7a; d. the agreement and implementation of a management plan for the whole site to clarify the proposals for various habitats across the site and to provide a sustainable and financially secure basis for managing the site through the development process and in the long term; and e. achieving a positive impact on the biodiversity of the site itself, including protecting and enhancing on-site habitats to provide for (at least) current levels of use by key species, including its use by SPA birds, and managing the site to maintain and enhance the biodiversity associated with fields, scrub, woodland, water features and ditches. 8. Identify and assess the significance of heritage assets and secure their conservation, restoration enjoyment and management through appropriate re-use and siting of development; 9. Achieve a mix of housing in accordance with Policy CP 3, including provision for affordable housing in accordance with Policy DM 8; 10. Agree the proportion of new housing that will come forward before the restoration of heritage assets and the implementation of those matters within criterion 8; 11. Make provision for formal play facilities on site, unless not compatible within criterion 8, otherwise make an off-site contribution toward these and improvements to existing sports pitches; 12. Ensure waste water connections at points that are adequate in their capacity; 13. Secure continued facilities and access to the water for sea scouts; 14. The submission of a viability assessment so the Council is satisfied as to the long-term security of proposed management measures; and 15. Provide infrastructure needs arising from the development, including those within the Local Plan Implementation and Delivery Schedule.

Central Sittingbourne: Regeneration Area

A regeneration area for central Sittingbourne, including its town centre, is shown on the Proposals Map. Within this area proposals which support the objective of consolidating and expanding Sittingbourne's position as the main retail, business, cultural, community and civic centre for the Borough, will be permitted. A. Development within the area will proceed in accordance with, or complement, a Masterplan to be prepared to support the development agreement between the regeneration partners and will accord with the key objectives of: 1. Providing additional comparison retail space and uses which provide greater vitality, viability, diversity and activity; 2. Supporting the creation of a station square and bus train interchange with associated improvements to the station itself; 3. Providing for a cinema and performance venue within the town centre area identified in Policy DM 2; 4. Providing for a redeveloped and enhanced civic quarter focused on Central Avenue, Roman Square and Avenue of Remembrance to include civic offices and services, health centre, housing and further education facilities; 5. Reducing the visual dominance of St Michael's Road through traffic calming and environmental enhancement; 6. Providing for suitable car parking that will support existing and new uses and be in accordance with an overall parking strategy for the centre; 7. An integrated landscape strategy for the area as a whole that secures improvements in the public realm, green spaces and the pedestrian environment. Proposals will implement a green grid structure with street tree planting in key streets; 8. A Health Impact Assessment to enable an integrated approach to be adopted across the regeneration area in accordance with Policy CP 5; and 9. Redeveloping sites predominantly for housing in the eastern and western gateways to the regeneration area, especially at Cockleshell Walk, Fountain Street, West Street, Dover Street, Bell Road and East Street, as identified by the Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment, or at other suitable sites which are in accordance with Policy CP 3. B. All development proposals will: 1. Accord with Policies DM 1 and DM 2 to maintain and enhance the retail offer of the primary shopping areas, whilst introducing uses there and elsewhere within the town centre which achieve greater vitality, viability and diversity of services and facilities, alongside buildings of architectural excellence. Where town centre vitality and viability is not harmed, other sites able to achieve similar objectives will be permitted within the regeneration area defined by this policy; 2. Maintain or enhance key non-retail uses which underpin the retail and community functions of the town centre for both day and night time economy; 3. Provide for residential development of suitable type and scale above commercial premises, or as part of mixed use developments, or on other suitable sites; 4. Maintain and increase office floorspace provision above commercial premises within the town centre area, or where sites are not available, within the regeneration area; 5. Redevelop visually poor areas with buildings of innovative and sensitive design to create new and improved townscape areas, which are of sustainable design and construction in accordance with Policy DM 19; 6. Retain, enhance and create new open spaces and green spaces which should include tree planting (including street trees); 7. Provide public spaces, squares and public art, alongside improved lighting and street furniture; 8. Improve north south links to facilities north of the railway and Eurolink Way via Milton Road and Crown Quay Lane; 9. Ensure that, through both on and off site measures, any significant adverse impacts on European sites through recreational pressure will be mitigated in accordance with Policies CP 7 and DM 28, including a financial contribution towards the Strategic Access Management and Monitoring Strategy; and 10. Provide infrastructure needs arising from the development, including those matters identified by the Local Plan Implementation and Delivery Schedule, in particular those relating to transport, libraries and health.

Queenborough and Rushenden: Regeneration Area

A regeneration area for Queenborough and Rushenden is designated as shown on the Proposals Map. Within this area, proposals will support the objective of regenerating the area for residential, employment and community uses to achieve the integration of communities. Development proposals will, as appropriate: 1. Accord with the adopted Masterplan Supplementary Planning Document and its addendum; 2. Contribute towards the creation of a distinctive sense of place for the planned new settlement that also reflects the area's waterside location and historic environment; 3. Demonstrate sensitive and innovative design, which responds to the challenge of creating new townscape and be subject to scrutiny by the Swale Design Panel; 4. Achieve high standards in terms of sustainable design and construction, including the design and specification of the buildings and sustainable urban drainage; 5. Accord with an integrated landscape strategy through the creation of a new landscape structure for the area, supporting the creation of a network of areas for play, walking and informal recreation, as well as achieving a net gain in biodiversity overall; 6. Assess biodiversity interests, including a Habitats Regulations Assessment. Proposals will ensure that, through both on and off site measures, any significant adverse impacts on European sites through recreational pressure will be mitigated in accordance with Policies CP 7 and DM 28, including a financial contribution towards the Strategic Access Management and Monitoring Strategy; 7. Improve the quality of the environment and housing choice to restore the local housing market area; 8. Achieve a mix of housing in accordance with Policy CP 3, including provision for affordable housing, in accordance with Policy DM 8; 9. Provide, at Neatscourt, commercial floorspace unless this would adversely impact upon the vitality of Sheerness town centre or compromise the achievement of meeting industrial floorspace needs as required for the Local Plan period; 10. Secure those improved services and facilities necessary for a sustainable community; 11. Where appropriate, assist with alternative accommodation for the displacement of existing businesses; 12. Through physical, environmental and economic measures, integrate the existing and new communities; 13. Assess the need for, and provide such transport initiatives and improvements as are necessary; 14. Assess and respond to any risk from flooding; and 15. Provide infrastructure needs arising from the development, including those matters identified by the Local Plan Implementation and Delivery Schedule, in particular those relating to transport, education and health.

The Port of Sheerness: Regeneration Area

A regeneration area for the Port of Sheerness is shown on the Proposals Map. Within this area proposals will be supported which support the objective of maintaining and enhancing the Port of Sheerness as a deep water gateway port to Europe. The priority will be to safeguard the port function and to encourage investment in infrastructure that supports water and rail freight connections. Expansion involving the intensification of port use within existing port confines and/or expansion onto appropriate land within the area defined on the Proposals Map will be supported provided that: 1. any measures required by the development to improve local access by road and rail are brought forward as part of the proposals; 2. the proposals increase the potential for the movement of freight by rail; 3. the proposals are of a scale, use and external appearance that would not detract from the visual appearance or residential amenity of the locality; 4. the significance of heritage assets are sustained and enhanced with viable uses consistent with their conservation with new development making a positive contribution to local character and distinctiveness; 5. a project specific HRA demonstrates that the integrity of the Outer Thames Estuary SPA is retained; and 6. there are no other significant adverse social or environmental impacts arising as a result of the project. Potential longer term options will be considered via a review of the Local Plan. All proposals intended to secure the regeneration of the area for mixed uses will be considered in terms of their social, economic and environmental implications and their ability to secure the wider possible benefits for the sustainable regeneration of Sheerness and Bluetown.

Delivering sustainable development in Swale

To deliver sustainable development in Swale, all development proposals will, as appropriate: 1. Build a strong competitive economy by meeting identified needs for inward investment and indigenous growth on allocated and suitable sites, including meeting the needs of under-represented sectors; 2. Ensure the vitality of town centres by: strengthening the principal centre role of Sittingbourne; improving the role of Sheerness as the Island's main centre; or consolidating, proportionate to its scale and character, Faversham's role as a centre for the town itself and its local catchment; 3. Support a prosperous rural economy, especially for sustainable farming and tourism, or where enabling communities to meet local needs or benefiting countryside management; 4. Accord with the Local Plan settlement strategy; 5. Offer the potential to reduce levels of out-commuting and support the aims of the Swale Local Transport Strategy; 6. Support high quality communications infrastructure; 7. Deliver a wide choice of high quality homes by: a. meeting the full, objectively assessed need for housing in the housing market area; b. providing housing opportunity, choice and independence with types of housing for local needs; and c. keeping vitality within rural communities with identified housing needs, proportionate to their character, scale and role; 8. Achieve good design through reflecting the best of an area's defining characteristics; 9. Promote healthy communities through: a. location of development to achieve safe, mixed uses and shared spaces; b. rejuvenation of deprived communities; c. the Local Plan implementation and delivery plan and schedule; d. safeguarding services and facilities that do or could support communities; e. maintaining the individual character, integrity, identities and settings of settlements; f. protecting, managing, providing and enhancing open spaces and facilities for sport and recreation; and g. implementing the Swale natural assets green infrastructure strategy; 10. Meet the challenge of climate change, flooding and coastal change through: a. promotion of sustainable design and construction, the expansion of renewable energy, the efficient use of natural resources and the management of emissions; b. the management and expansion of green infrastructure; and c. applying planning policies to manage flood risk and coastal change; 11. Conserve and enhance the natural environment by: a. applying international, national and local planning policy for: (a) areas designated for their biodiversity (inc. Nature Improvement Areas), geological or landscape importance; and/or (b) priority habitats and populations of protected and notable species; b. using landscape character assessments to protect, and where possible, enhance, the intrinsic character, beauty and tranquillity of the countryside, with emphasis on the estuarine, woodland, dry valley, down-land and horticultural landscapes that define the landscape character of Swale; c. integrating the benefits of ecosystems to society across all policy areas; d. achieving plentiful native landscaping of local provenance in and around developments; e. achieving net gains in biodiversity within and around developments by use of such measures as natural/semi-natural greenspace and the creation of coherent ecological networks; f. avoiding significant harm to biodiversity or, when not possible, adequately mitigating it, or, as a last resort, compensating for it with off-site action at identified Biodiversity Opportunity Areas or other appropriate locations; g. using areas of lower quality agricultural land for significant levels of development (singly or cumulatively) where compatible with other criteria; and h. applying national planning policy in respect of pollution, despoiled, degraded, derelict, contaminated, unstable and previously developed land; and 12. Conserve and enhance the historic environment by applying national and local planning policy through the identification, assessment and integration of development with the importance, form and character of heritage assets (inc. historic landscapes).

Local Plan Review

Should shortfalls in the land supply continue to occur despite allocations being found sound in terms of their being both deliverable and developable, the Council will consider whether it is appropriate to continue to permit housing sites that do not accord with the Local Plan where there is no compelling reason evident as to why unimplemented housing commitments and/or allocated Local Plan sites are not coming forward. The Council will also potentially commence an immediate Local Plan review.

The Swale settlement strategy

By use of previously developed land within defined built up area boundaries and on sites allocated by the Local Plan, development proposals will be permitted in accordance with the following settlement strategy: 1. The main Borough urban centre of Sittingbourne will provide the primary urban focus for growth, where development will support town centre regeneration and underpin the town's role as the principal centre; 2. The other Borough urban centres of Faversham and Sheerness will provide the secondary urban focus for growth at a scale and form compatible to their historic and natural assets and where it can support their roles as local centres serving their hinterland. Additionally at Sheerness its role and functioning will be supported by the other urban local centres within the West Sheppey Triangle to meet the Island's development needs on previously developed sites or at existing committed locations and allocations well related to the urban framework and strategic transport network; 3. The Rural Local Service Centres will provide the tertiary focus for growth in the Borough and the primary focus for the rural area. At allocated sites relating well to the existing settlement pattern and the character of the surrounding countryside, development will provide for the local housing or employment needs for their home and surrounding communities, whilst supporting existing and new services; 4. Other villages with built-up area boundaries, as shown on the Proposals Map, will provide development on minor infill and redevelopment sites within the built up area boundaries where compatible with the settlement's character, amenity, landscape setting, heritage or biodiversity value and; 5. At locations in the open countryside, outside the built-up area boundaries shown on the Proposals Map, development will not be permitted, unless supported by national planning policy and able to demonstrate that it would contribute to protecting and, where appropriate, enhancing the intrinsic value, landscape setting, tranquillity and beauty of the countryside, its buildings and the vitality of rural communities.

The Sittingbourne area strategy

Within the Sittingbourne area, the town is the principal urban centre and focus for the main concentration of developments in and adjacent to the town. Development proposals will, as appropriate: 1. Increase the supply and quality of employment provision at 'Existing Strategic Employment Sites' or at allocations, or within the town centre regeneration area, where the need for office floorspace can be additionally met. Unanticipated needs that cannot be met at these or other existing employment sites, will be permitted at locations close to the A249 in accordance with Local Plan policies; 2. Ensure the vitality of Sittingbourne town centre, as appropriate, by: a. enhancing its retail offer and attractiveness to secure local spending and jobs, whilst providing improved spaces, better north-south links and buildings of architectural excellence; b. providing a wider range of services, including transport, education, health, leisure and cultural facilities; c. enhancing secondary areas of the town within West Street, Dover Street, Cockleshell Walk and East Street; d. enhancing local character, heritage and the built environment by either working with the grain and focus of the A2 or aiding the rediscovery of Milton Creek; e. safeguarding and expanding the network of urban green space and street trees within and beyond the centre; and f. adding to the mix of uses within the town centre to increase its vitality and viability. 3. Support, as required, improved connections to the A249 and M2 from west Sittingbourne and, in the longer term, the completion of the Sittingbourne Northern Relief Road to the A2; 4. Provide housing/mixed uses within the Sittingbourne town centre regeneration or at other sites within urban and village confines, or as extensions to settlements, where indicated by proposed allocations; 5. Create, where appropriate, mixed use and healthy communities and address disparities and housing market variances between communities north and south of the A2 through high quality design, new facilities and new jobs as appropriate; 6. Maintain the individual character and separation of important local countryside gaps around Sittingbourne in accordance with Policy DM 25 and within the A2 corridor to the west of the town through to Rainham; 7. Reduce levels of deprivation in the most deprived wards and facilitate as required, increased capacity in infrastructure and services; 8. Where possible, achieve net gains in biodiversity and natural/semi-natural greenspace at development sites, especially within allocations to the north-west, south-west and east of the town and at Milton Creek and Iwade; 9. In accordance with Policy CP 7, minimise and mitigate impacts on internationally designated sites for biodiversity, including, from developments within 6 km of an SPA, contributions toward the North Kent Strategic Access Management and Monitoring Strategy (SAMMS); 10. Improve the condition and quality of landscapes in the area, especially those in poor condition and ensure that development is appropriate to landscape character and quality, especially within landscape designations and areas with low or moderate capacity to accommodate change; 11. Unless allocated by the Local Plan, avoid the loss of high quality agricultural land in accordance with Policy DM 31; 12. Are consistent with local air quality action plans for Newington High Street, Teynham Greenstreet, St. Paul's and East Street and bring forward innovative proposals for mitigation of adverse impacts; 13. Conserve and enhance the historic and special interests of the town, coast, its rural area and landscapes; and 14. Are appropriate to the level of risk from climate change, flooding and coastal change, especially where subject to Policy DM 23 on coastal change management.

The Isle of Sheppey area strategy

On the Isle of Sheppey, settlements within the West Sheppey Triangle are the focus of development and long-term change. Development proposals will, as appropriate: 1. Bring forward economic development on allocated sites and, as available, at the 'Existing Strategic Employment Sites', including, at the Port of Sheerness, supporting diversification of its activities in accordance with Policy Regen 3; 2. Support the existing tourism offer or assist its modernisation and diversification into new markets, including eco-tourism; 3. Consolidate and enhance the retail and service role of Sheerness Town Centre, especially where increasing its comparison provision or providing other services that enhance the centre. Where sites cannot be made available in the town centre, planning permission will not be granted for retail and leisure proposals at other sites where these would undermine the vitality of the town centre or prejudice the delivery of industrial floorspace, especially at the 'Existing Strategic Employment Sites' identified by Policy CP 1; 4. Bring forward the comprehensive regeneration of the Trinity Road area in accordance with its development brief, alongside wider enhancements across the centre; 5. For larger scales of development, be well located in respect of the most accessible parts of the Island to both car and public transport and, where appropriate, bring forward improvements to the A2500 Lower Road; 6. Regenerate Queenborough/Rushenden on allocated land and at other sites as they become available and in accordance with its Masterplan, or be located at other sites within the built-up area boundaries. 7. Reduce levels of deprivation in the most deprived wards and facilitate as required, increased capacity in infrastructure and services; 8. Manage the level of risk from climate change, flooding and coastal change, especially where subject to the Policy DM 21 and Policy DM 23; 9. Improve the condition and quality of landscapes in the area, especially those in poor condition and ensure that development is appropriate to landscape character and quality, especially within landscape designations and areas with low or moderate capacity to accommodate change. Additionally, the Council will seek to bring landscape wide initiatives to Sheppey to improve landscape condition; 10. Where possible, achieve net gains in biodiversity and natural/semi-natural greenspace at development sites and minimise and mitigate impacts on internationally designated sites for biodiversity, including, from developments within 6 km of an SPA, contributions toward the North Kent Strategic Access Management and Monitoring Strategy (SAMMS) in accordance with Policy CP 7. The Council will, where appropriate, establish the Island as a focus for achieving net gains in biodiversity both through the appropriate mitigation and compensation of projects within the Borough and further afield; 11. Unless allocated by the Local Plan, avoid the loss of high quality agricultural land in accordance with Policy DM 31; 12. Maintain the individual character and separation of important local countryside gaps between the settlements of Minster, Halfway, Queenborough and Sheerness in accordance with Policy DM 25; and 13. Make effective heritage protection, integration and enhancement a priority, whilst conserving and enhancing the historic and special interests of the town, coast, rural area and landscapes.

The Faversham area and Kent Downs strategy

Within the Faversham area, the conservation and enhancement of the historic and natural environment are the primary planning aims. Decisions will strengthen the viability of Faversham or its rural communities and support their shared social, economic and cultural links. Development proposals will, as appropriate: 1. Maintain existing land and buildings in employment use, especially at 'Existing Strategic Employment Sites' or bring forward industrial development at Local Plan allocations; 2. Safeguard, diversify or expand the tourism focus of the area through appropriate proposals with an environmental, countryside or active leisure emphasis; 3. Maintain or enhance the range of town centre services and facilities to secure Faversham's role and functioning and support its vitality and its uniqueness, strong sense of place and the range of independent retailers; 4. Within rural settlements, support local economies, especially where maintaining or enhancing the countryside, or helping to maintain or enhance services and facilities; 5. Provide appropriate employment opportunities within the rural area, especially where creating supply or production links with Faversham or supporting the character of the AONB and its economy; 6. Develop public transport networks which meet the needs of both the market town and its surrounding rural area; 7. Provide housing at allocations and, as appropriate, within Neighbourhood Plans or other appropriate locations, where the role and character of Faversham and its rural communities can be maintained or enhanced and where levels of out-commuting would not be exacerbated; 8. Reduce levels of deprivation in the most deprived wards and facilitate as required, increased capacity in infrastructure and services; 9. Maintain the individual character and separation of Oare and Ospringe from Faversham; 10. Accord with Policy NP 1 and the Faversham Creek Neighbourhood Plan, enhancing this locality as a tourist hub and a place of special interest and activity, with strong associations with the water and improved links to the town centre; 11. Address the risks of flooding and forecast climate and coastal change, particularly around the coast and at Faversham and Oare Creeks, in accordance with Policies DM21 and DM 23; 12. Ensure the landscape qualities and distinctive features of the Kent Downs AONB remain valued, secure and strengthened, alongside the local landscape designations within and around the North Kent Marshes, The Blean and North Downs. Improve the condition and quality of landscapes in the area, especially those in poor condition and ensure that development is appropriate to landscape character and quality, especially within areas with low or moderate capacity to accommodate change; 13. Unless allocated by the Local Plan, avoid the loss of high quality agricultural land in accordance with Policy DM 31; 14. Are consistent with local air quality action plans for Ospringe and bring forward innovative proposals for mitigation of adverse impacts; 15. Where possible, achieve net gains in biodiversity and natural/semi-natural greenspace at development sites and minimise and mitigate impacts on internationally designated sites for biodiversity, including, from developments within 6 km of an SPA, contributions toward the North Kent Strategic Access Management and Monitoring Strategy (SAMMS) in accordance with Policy CP 7; and 16. Protect and enhance the diversity, character, appearance and setting of the area's historic assets. When considering development proposals at undeveloped sites outside Faversham, preserve those aspects of the town's morphology that contribute to its significance, including its small scale and compact urban form, surrounding countryside and its rural approaches.

Maintaining and enhancing the vitality and viability of town centres and other areas

In town centres and other commercial areas, planning permission will be granted for development proposals, in accordance with the following: 1. Within the defined primary shopping frontages, as shown on the Proposals Map, the Borough Council will permit non-retail uses that: a. maintain or enhance the primary retail function of the area by adding to the mix of uses to help maintain or increase its overall vitality and viability, especially where providing a service or facility for residents or visitors currently lacking or under-represented in the town centre, or by increasing pedestrian activity in the immediate locality; b. do not result in a significant loss of retail floorspace or the break-up of a continuous retail frontage; c. do not lead to a concentration of non-retail frontage; and d. do not result in the loss or erosion of a non-retail use that underpins the role, functioning, vitality and viability of the area. 2. Within the defined secondary shopping frontages, as shown on the Proposals Map, or within a Local Centre as defined by Policy DM 2, the Borough Council will permit non-retail uses, including residential, provided that they would not: a. lead to a significant concentration of non-retail floorspace or housing or the loss of significant retail frontage; b. result in the loss of existing residential accommodation or a use important to the community; and c. lead to a loss of residential amenity. 3. Outside the primary and secondary shopping frontages, or Local Centre as defined by Policy DM 2, the Borough Council will permit a non-retail use if it maintains the area's role, functioning, vitality and viability and: a. does not result in the loss of existing residential accommodation or a use important to the community; b. does not lead to a loss of residential amenity; and in the case of rural areas c. Accords with Policy DM 3.

Proposals for main town centre uses

Planning permission will be granted for main town centre uses subject to: 1. Taking into account the scale and type of development proposed in relation to the size, role and function of the centre, as follows: Location: Type of centre: Sittingbourne (principal town), Faversham, Sheerness - Town Centre; Queenborough & Rushenden, Halfway, Minster, Milton Regis, Boughton, Eastchurch, Iwade, Leysdown, Newington, Teynham - Local Centre 2. Being located within the town centres as defined on the Proposals Map; or 3. Where demonstrated that a town centre site is not available, being located on a site on the edge of a town centre, subject to criteria 4a to 4c; or 4. Where demonstrated that there are no suitable sites available at locations within 2. and 3. above, proposals elsewhere within the built-up areas of Faversham, Sheerness and Sittingbourne, as shown on the Proposals Map will only be permitted if: a. it is demonstrated by an impact assessment (when the proposal is above the defined floorspace threshold in national planning policy) that it would not individually, or cumulatively with those trading or proposed, undermine the vitality and viability of existing town centres, or of other local centres and the facilities and services of other locations; b. it does not materially prejudice the provision of other land uses, particularly the supply of land for 'B' use class uses, housing, community use and open space; and c. it is well located in relation to the main road network and easily accessible by public transport, pedestrians and cyclists. 5. Elsewhere, proposals will be permitted where they address the tests set out in national policy and accord with criteria 4a to 4c.

Safeguarded area of search: Sittingbourne Northern Relief Road - The A2 link

The area shown on the Proposals Map forms an 'Area of Search', within which a safeguarded route for the completion of the Sittingbourne Northern Relief Road to the A2 will be determined and allocated via Local Plan Review, or should earlier need and timing dictate, the preparation of a Development Plan Document (DPD). Development proposals likely to reduce or remove the consideration of route options or preclude achievement of the road will not be permitted. In determining its route, environmental mitigation issues associated with the route will be addressed, including the impact of the new road on the traffic flows and living environments along the A2 corridor to the east of Sittingbourne.

Promoting sustainable transport

New development will be located in accordance with Policy ST 1 to Policy ST 7, Local Plan allocations, approved Neighbourhood Plans and Community Right to Build initiatives, which minimise the need to travel for employment and services and facilitate sustainable transport. Actions by the public, private and voluntary sector will adopt an integrated approach to the provision of transport infrastructure. Development proposals will, as appropriate: 1. Contribute to transport network improvements, where capacity is exceeded and or safety standards are unacceptably compromised, with particular emphasis on those identified in the Infrastructure Delivery Schedule; 2. Make best use of capacity in the network by working together with transport providers to improve the transport network in the most sustainable way, and extending it where necessary, as demonstrated by Transport Assessments and Travel Plans in support of development proposals; 3. Support the provision of major new transport infrastructure in accordance with national and local transport strategies; 4. Maintain and improve the highway network at key points to improve traffic flows and respond to the impact of new development and regeneration, as set out in the Local Transport Strategy; 5. Improve safety, through measures such as adequate parking, lighting and traffic management schemes; 6. Achieve alternative access to all services through promoting access to sustainable forms of transport particularly bus, cycling and rail transport and improving interchange between them from the earliest stages of development; 7. Provide integrated walking and cycling routes to link existing and new communities with local services and facilities, public transport and the Green Grid network; and 8. Facilitate greater use of waterways for commercial traffic, where this would not have an unacceptable adverse environmental impact, through working with the Port of Sheerness and other bodies.

Managing transport demand and impact

1. Development proposals generating a significant amount of transport movements will be required to support their proposal with the preparation of a Transport Assessment (including a Travel Plan), which will be based on the Council's most recent strategic modelling work. The Highways Agency may also require a Transport Assessment if development is deemed to impact on the strategic road network. 2. In assessing impacts on the highway network, development proposals will: a. demonstrate that opportunities for sustainable transport modes have been taken up; b. ensure that where the residual cumulative impact of development on traffic generation would be in excess of the capacity of the highway network and/or lead to a decrease in safety, environmentally acceptable improvements to the network are agreed by the Borough Council and the Highway Authority and provided. Such works will be carried out by the developer or a contribution made towards them in accordance with Policy CP 6. If such works cannot be carried out and the residual cumulative impacts of development are severe, then the development will be refused. c. avoid the formation of a new direct access onto the strategic or primary distributor route network where possible, or unless identified by the Local Plan. Other proposals for new access onto the networks will need to demonstrate that they can be created in a location acceptable to the Borough Council and appropriate Highway Authority. Proposals involving intensification of any existing access onto a strategic, primary or other route will need to demonstrate that it is of a suitable capacity and safety standard or can be improved to achieve such a standard; d. integrate air quality management and environmental quality into the location and design of, and access to, development and, in so doing, demonstrate that proposals do not worsen air quality to an unacceptable degree especially taking into account the cumulative impact of development schemes within or likely to impact on Air Quality Management Areas; and e. not result in the loss of usable wharfage or rail facilities. 3. The location, design and layout of development proposals will demonstrate that: a. priority is given to the needs of pedestrians and cyclists, including the disabled, through the provision of safe routes which minimise cyclist/pedestrian and traffic conflict within the site and which connect to local services and facilities; b. existing public rights of way are retained, or exceptionally diverted, and new routes created in appropriate locations; c. access to public transport is integrated into site design and layout where appropriate; d. the safe and efficient delivery of goods and supplies and access for emergency and utility vehicles can be accommodated; and e. it includes facilities for charging plug-in and other ultra low emission vehicles on major developments.

Vehicle parking

Until such time as a local Swale Borough Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) can be adopted, the Council will continue to apply extant Kent County Council vehicle parking standards to new development proposals. When prepared, the Swale Vehicle Parking SPD will provide guidelines for: 1. Car parking standards for residential development, which will: a. take into account the type, size and mix of dwellings and the need for visitor parking; and b. provide design advice to ensure efficient and attractive layout of development whilst ensuring that appropriate provision for vehicle parking is integrated within it. 2. Vehicle parking for non-residential uses, which will take into account: a. the accessibility of the development and availability of public transport; b. the type, mix and use of the development proposed; c. the need to maintain an adequate level of car parking within town centres to ensure that viability of the centres is not compromised; and d. that development proposals do not exacerbate on street car parking to an unacceptable degree. 3. Cycle parking facilities on new developments, of an appropriate design and in a convenient, safe, secure and sheltered location.