Proposed Submission: Gravesham Local Plan Core Strategy

on its eastern periphery, and the unmade Lower Road private lane tothe south;• Ground conditions - the northern part of the peninsula has been raisedusing Cement Kiln Dust and the southern part in Gravesham is formermarsh;• Proximity to existing industrial uses - the eastern side of the peninsulain Gravesham is occupied by heavy and port related industries thatmay impede development nearby;• Biodiversity - although not subject to any designation, the marshes andmudflats provide important habitats and the biodiversity interest wouldneed to be taken into consideration;• Utilities - the Gravesham part of the peninsula is crossed by highvoltage power lines forming part of the National Grid;• Navigation - the northern part of the peninsula is affected bynavigational sight line, radar and telecommunication constraints; and• Railways - the High Speed 1 (HS1) railway line effectively severs thesouthern part of the marsh before going into tunnel and passing underthe River Thames.4.4.4 The Council considers that there is development potential atSwanscombe Peninsula. However, the constraints and the absence of anydefinitive proposals showing how they could be overcome suggest that anydevelopment in this area is only likely to be deliverable in the longer term. Asa result, any development should come forward using a comprehensivemasterplan approach that has regard to proposals for the Dartford part of thepeninsula, development phasing and the possible need for a new highway linkto relieve the existing A226 and improve accessibility to the peninsula. Thepresumption is that any development in this sub-area is most likely tocomprise industrial/commercial uses together with greenspace to protect thebiodiversity of the area. Residential development is not ruled out as part of amixed use development of the site but would need to overcome theconstraints and provide a sustainable form of development that integrates wellwith the adjoining urban areas.59