Proposed Submission: Gravesham Local Plan Core Strategy

a focus for growth and regeneration. It identifies Ebbsfleet as the location for aregional hub with a major business district in a mixed settlement with theopportunity to create a regional transport hub around the international railstation. The South East Plan strategy for Gravesham is based on makingintensive use of previously developed land within the urban areas ofGravesend and Northfleet. This is set in a context of protecting the Green Beltand other environmental assets. This reflects the long standing strategy forthe area reflected in previous Structure Plans and national documentation onthe Thames Gateway. The North Kent authorities within the Kent ThamesGateway sub-region (Gravesham, Dartford, Medway and Swale) retain theshared view that the same spatial strategy for the area should continue to bepursued.1.3.4 The vision for the development of the Kent Thameside area (the parts ofGravesham and Dartford Boroughs to the north of the A2) has been jointlyevolved since the mid 1990s on the basis of significant quantities of previouslydeveloped land and the opportunity provided by the International andDomestic Station on the High Speed 1 (HS1) railway line at Ebbsfleet.1.3.5 The Vision for Kent is the sustainable community strategy for Kentcovering the period 2012 - 2022. The Borough Council is one of the 14 localauthorities which have signed up to this with the exception of proposals for aLower Thames Crossing 1 to the east of Gravesend set out in the 'Growthwithout Gridlock' supporting document. The Vision for Kent seeks:• to grow the economy - for Kent to be 'open for business' with a growingand successful economy and jobs for all• to tackle disadvantage - for Kent to be a county of opportunity, whereaspiration rather than dependency is supported and quality of life ishigh for everyone• to put citizens in control - for power and influence to be in the hands oflocal people so they are able to take responsibility for themselves, theirfamilies and their communities.1 A Department for Transport consultation on options for a Lower Thames Crossing isexpected in mid-20136