Proposed Submission: Gravesham Local Plan Core Strategy

1.2.3 When adopted, the Local Plan will replace the existing adoptedGravesham Local Plan First Review 1994. It will be used, together with theKent Minerals and Waste Local Plans, to help shape the future of the boroughand to determine individual planning applications. This Core Strategy is theoverarching strategic document and the other DPDs and SPDs will sit belowthe Core Strategy and will need to be in conformity with it. The policies in thisCore Strategy will replace a number of existing saved policies from theadopted Gravesham Local Plan First Review 1994 (see Appendix 2).Remaining saved policies from the adopted Local Plan will continue tooperate until they are replaced or revoked.1.2.4 This Core Strategy sets out the Council's long term spatial vision for theBorough. The Core Strategy covers the period from 1 April 2011 to 31 March2028. It outlines the strategic objectives for the Borough based on thecharacteristics of the area and the key issues to be addressed. It sets out adelivery strategy for achieving the objectives. It identifies the areas wheremajor change is likely to take place and allocates key sites for developmentwhich are considered key to the achievement of this strategy. It also definesareas where policies of restraint will apply and those places or characteristicsthat will be preserved and / or enhanced to ensure that the Borough's uniquesense of place and local distinctiveness remains the permanent foundationupon which our local community can grow and prosper.1.2.5 This Core Strategy sets out as far as practicable when, where and bywhom actions will be taken. This will involve the Council and other keyinterested parties in the public, private and voluntary sectors working inpartnership to achieve common goals.1.2.6 The approach set out in this Core Strategy has been developed againsta backdrop of national economic uncertainty that has and may continue toaffect investment decisions and timing of delivery of development at the locallevel. There is no certainty about the economic upturn, either in terms of whenit will come or how strong that recovery will be. Therefore it is vital thatGravesham plans for growth, but with flexibility, in order that the borough canbenefit from the economic upturn, if and when it does come. Notwithstandingthese concerns, Gravesham is in the fortunate position of having considerable4