Appendix 1 Land Allocations Local Plan

Dover District Council
136
Land Allocations Local Plan Adopted 2015
3.429 The hedgerows and trees that are on the south east and north west boundaries of
the site are considered important for retaining the rural character and reducing any detrimental
impact on the wider landscape. These should be retained as part of any proposed
development unless removal of part of the hedge is required for vehicle or pedestrian access.
3.430 The design and layout of any proposals should consider the setting of the village
hall, a Grade II Listed Building, and the density and scale of the existing built form. This is
to ensure that the rural character of the village is maintained. In particular, the access point
onto the site and associated visibility splays, should be located to minimise impact on the
village hall. The District Council will expect applications to be submitted by a Heritage
Statement relating to Appendix 3 of the Heritage Strategy, which has identified six heritage
'Themes' of outstanding significance, including 'Churches' and 'Listed Buildings', that should
be considered for any development proposals.
3.431 Development would also need to provide a public footway along The Street which
should connect to the existing footway which is located on Fir Tree Hill. The footway should
be set back within the site in order to avoid the loss of the existing hedgerow and trees along
the road frontage and creating a detrimental impact on the rural character of the road.
3.432 The development of this site creates an opportunity for the provision of a replacement
village hall and recreation ground on land adjacent to the site. This would be in a central
location easily accessible to the local community and is an integral part of releasing this site
for development. Proposals for the allocated site will need to demonstrate that they will not
prejudice the implementation of any community facility.
3.433 Early discussions should take place with Southern Water regarding the sewer that
crosses the site, which would need to be taken into account as part of any planning
application.
3.434 The location of the site on land separating the two distinct parts of the village, in the
countryside, means that this development proposals should reflect the spatial character of
the neighbouring built form. The configuration and the size of the site would lend itself to
larger family dwellings set back to the rear of the site, overlooking the new access road and
footway. The site was granted planning permission in 2014 for 24 dwellings.