Appendix 1 Land Allocations Local Plan

Dover District Council
84
Land Allocations Local Plan Adopted 2015
Land at Chequer Lane, Ash
Site Location and Characteristics
3.255 The 3ha site is located on the northern side of Ash, south of the A257 (Ash Bypass)
and the west of Chequer Lane, which it fronts. There is a change in levels between the site
and Chequer Lane, which increases to the north. The site is flat and consists of agricultural
land with two Public Rights of Way crossing the site. One Public Right of Way (EE113) runs
north to south across the site, whilst the other (EE112) runs along the southern boundary.
There is currently no vehicular access to this site from Chequer Lane and no landscaping
delineating the western boundary. Southern Water has advised that a water main crosses
this site and that there is insufficient sewerage (underground) capacity directly available to
serve this site.
Site Context
3.256 The surrounding uses reflect the edge of village location. There is a mature
landscaping buffer constructed for the A257 (Ash Bypass), which consists of trees, vegetation
and a bund to the north of the site. There are residential properties to the south and east
and open agricultural land to the west. There is a former Council yard, consisting of garages
and scout hut, also to the south of the site and is allocated separately in Policy LA20.
Proposed Development
3.257 Chequer Lane is one of the main routes into the village. Development on the site
provides an opportunity to create a design that defines and creates an entrance to the village.
3.258 Development proposals will have to demonstrate the ability to accommodate a
satisfactory vehicular access from Chequers Lane. This could either be through the design
of the access or alternatively through the provision of an emergency access form either
Chequer Lane or through the former Council yard off Molland Lea.
3.259 In order to provide the opportunity for a greater degree of connectivity by foot and
cycling, between the proposed development, the centre of Ash, and the local primary school,
it will be important that the two Public Rights of Way are enhanced and incorporated into
the design and layout.
3.260 Development proposals should create a new western boundary to the site through
additional landscaping to extend the established wildlife corridor along the northern edge of
the site formed by the A257 bund. In order to provide a sufficient substantial boundary this
landscaping should be no less than 15m in width to accommodate native species of trees
and SUDs. The area could also be used for informal recreation. In order to reduce the
landscape impact the development should create a 'soft' edge by reducing the density of
development and creating a looser grain along the western boundary.
3.261 Early discussions should take place with Southern Water regarding the water mains
that crosses the site, which would need to be taken into account in the layout proposals of
any planning application. They have also indicated that there is insufficient sewerage
(underground) capacity available to serve this site and that any new development should
connect to the nearest point of adequate capacity available.