Proposed Submission: Gravesham Local Plan Core Strategy

small scale, involving redevelopment proposals and infilling. There is a needto ensure that all new development is of a high quality. It should improve theexisting built environment by protecting and enhancing local character andamenity and by creating new sustainable neighbourhoods with their ownsense of place and distinctiveness which enhance their surroundings.2.10 Climate Change2.10.1 Climate change is expected to lead to hotter, drier summers andwetter, warmer winters with increased storm and flood events. Similar to therest of Kent and the South East, the Borough experiences less rainfall/drierweather than other parts of the UK. On occasions, Gravesend has beenrecorded as the hottest place in the UK. The parts of the Borough alongsidethe River Thames are within areas where there is a high risk of flooding.There is also a risk of flooding along the Ebbsfleet stream and along theBorough's dry river valleys as well as more general risks of surface waterflooding during periods of heavy rainfall. Flooding and weather patterns in theBorough will be exacerbated by the effects of climate change. In recognitionof this, the Thames Estuary 2100 (TE2100) Flood Risk Management Plansets out the strategic direction for managing floods across the ThamesEstuary, and contains recommendations on what actions the EnvironmentAgency and others will need to take up to 2100. It is recognised that action isneeded to reduce the impact of human activity on the climate system,primarily through reducing greenhouse gas emissions.2.10.2 As a result of the above, there will be a need to ensure thatdevelopment is located in the most accessible locations and facilities can beaccessed by means other than car (see "Transport" section above). There willalso be a need to ensure that development is designed and located tominimise the risk of flooding and flood defence infrastructure is protected. Itwill be important to encourage water conservation and other measures whichprotect the supply and quality of water. In addition, measures will be neededto reduce the Borough's carbon footprint such as supporting low carbon andrenewable energy generation.24