Proposed Submission: Gravesham Local Plan Core Strategy

4.4.8 The Council supports the creation of a new navigable harbour forrecreational purposes at Robin's Creek as this has the potential to create ahigh quality development, add value to other developments in the vicinity andcontribute to the re-establishment of Northfleet as an historic riversidesettlement. This would be subject to ensuring that the drainage functions ofthe Creek and its biodiversity interest are not adversely affected and thatthere is no potential conflict between recreational boats and commercialshipping on the river, and other proposals in the Opportunity Area.4.4.9 Old Northfleet Residential Extension (sub-area 1.4) comprises anarea of previously developed land extending northwards from The Hive localcentre down College Road to the River Thames. A separate spur of land,divided from the main area by a cutting that carries the access road to theformer cement works site from Thames Way (A226), extends northwards fromthe existing residential area down the former alignment of Lawn Road.4.4.10 This area is identified as a Key Site. The Council's approach to thisarea is that residential development will be supported as it forms a logicalextension to the existing established community of Northfleet and will reconnectit with the River Thames. This will include an extension to the Hivelocal centre and facilities to support the development. There is a resolution togrant planning permission for such use.4.4.11 Northfleet Cement Works Regeneration Area (sub-area 1.5)consists of the remainder of the former Lafarge cement works site and lies ata lower level than the adjoining residential community on the banks of theRiver Thames. Access to the site is primarily via a road tunnel from the A226Thames Way that passes through Vineyard Pit. A rail connection to the NorthKent Line has also been recently reinstated via Church Path Pit, a connectedsite to the south, which has the potential to be extended to sub-areas 1.7(Kimberly Clark) and 1.8 (Northfleet Embankment East) in due course. Thereis also good deep water access via the existing Wharf 42.4.4.12 This area is identified as a Key Site. There is a resolution to grantplanning permission for approximately 39,000 square metres employmentfloorspace (NIA) for business, industrial and storage and distribution uses61