Proposed Submission: Gravesham Local Plan Core Strategy

Urban Baseline Study. A Townscape Character study is also being prepared.Appraisals of most of the Borough's Conservation Areas have beenundertaken and a range of Management Plans produced to inform decisionsand guide investment decisions in these areas. Furthermore, somecommunities, such as Meopham, have prepared their own Parish Plan andthis includes a consideration of the settlement's character.5.15.6 In line with national policy, the Council recognises that safety andsecurity are essential in creating successful places where people wish to liveand work. In considering the design and layout of proposals, applicants willhave regard to the principles contained in current guidance such as "Securedby Design", "Crime Prevention through Environmental Design" and "ParkMark" (for car parks).5.15.7 National policy recognises the contribution that a high quality publicrealm makes in creating successful places. Public art is a component of thepublic realm and can contribute to the creation of a strong sense of place andlocal distinctiveness in a scheme. It can take many forms from physical piecesto creative lighting, street furniture and street paving. The Council will expectapplicants to consider opportunities to provide public art as an integral part oftheir approach to the public realm.5.15.8 There is a strong case for seeking improvements to achieve moresustainable new development. The degree to which new developmentincorporates sustainable construction and makes efficient use of resources,including land are important components of good design. In line with nationalpolicy, the Council will support new development that uses land efficiently andincorporates innovative designs and measures to address the causes andeffects of climate change, as set out in policy CS18.5.15.9 In support of their proposals, applicants will submit Design and Accessstatements to explain the design principles that have informed the approachunderlying the planning application and to demonstrate how they have takenaccount of the design criteria and guidance adopted by the Council and otherrelevant planning policies and studies set out in the Core Strategy.Statements will also demonstrate how the design ensures that everyone,188