Proposed Submission: Gravesham Local Plan Core Strategy

Marshes Local Wildlife Site which means that it has some nature conservationvalue. However, it is understood that there is a degree of saline intrusion dueto the proximity of the area to the River Thames.4.7.17 The Council considers that Blue Lake will remain in its current use overthe plan period. It would support proposals that better integrate the lake withthe Northfleet Rise Quarter Key Site, secure environmental improvements andimprove its biodiversity value whilst not prejudicing public safety and theabstraction of water for industrial purposes. It may be possible to increase useof the area for leisure purposes or introduce floating uses such as offices orhotel facilities. This would bring the area into active use and provide anincome stream for its future maintenance and improvement.Policy CS06: Ebbsfleet (Gravesham) Opportunity Area4.7.18 The Ebbsfleet (Gravesham) Opportunity Area is a substantialopportunity for a high quality, sustainable, mixed use development inline with the longstanding strategy to create a major business district atEbbsfleet within Dartford as well as Gravesham. Development will bringsignificant benefits to the borough and surrounding communitiesthrough the delivery of new housing, high quality jobs and supportingfacilities centred around and well linked to the Ebbsfleet Stationtransport hub.4.7.19 Development of the Key Sites will lead to the provision of:• approximately 672 dwellings being provided during the planperiod (in addition to the 206 dwellings which were already built at31 March 2011);• up to 106,250 sq.m (NIA) business employment floorspace (useclasses B1a, B1b and B1c) with a minimum of 17,000 sq.mbusiness employment floorspace being provided during the planperiod providing around 1,400 new jobs;• up to 2,810 sq.m retail floorspace (use class A1); and• other supporting facilities, leisure/entertainment floorspace (useclass D2), hotels and restaurants.105