| |
|
Quality of Development
Effective use of Land
Mix of Uses
Heritage
Community Services
KMSP Home
Contents
Chapter 4
Chapter 6
PDF Version of this Chapter
Top of page
|
5.1 This Plan seeks to make towns and villages in Kent vibrant
places in which to live, work, and take leisure. This Chapter looks
to support an 'urban renaissance' in Kent and the revitalisation
of rural communities. It focuses upon those policies which affect
the quality of places including, design, density, the protection
of Kent's wealth of built heritage, community services and infrastructure.
Policies for the protection and enhancement of the countryside and
coast, their landscapes and wildlife are equally important dimensions
of quality of life. These are addressed in Chapter
4.
5.2 These policies are at the heart of improving economic, social
and environmental well being and were strongly supported by public
consultation on the Vision for Kent and Mapping out the Future,
which formed the basis of this Plan.
- Ensuring new development is designed to a high quality
- Preserving the separate identities of different settlements
- Making towns and villages more attractive, safer, places
in which to live, work and spend time
- Securing more efficient use of land
- Encouraging mixed uses in our towns and other centres
- Conserving our built and man made heritage
- Enhancing community and other infrastructure
- Providing better facilities and opportunities for sport
and recreation
|
5.3 Kent has a valuable legacy of attractive and historic built
environments. However, some towns and villages have unexceptional
or poor townscapes because of heavy industry, the poor design of
more recent development and the impact of traffic which causes pollution
and makes pedestrian movement difficult.
5.4 The intrinsic character and setting of Kent villages and small
rural towns is valuable. It helps to mould the image of the county
and contributes to the quality of life for everyone who lives in
and visits Kent. Structure Plan policies have protected the countryside
and rural settlements from inappropriate development and must continue
to do so. Any development in the rural areas must respond carefully
to its location and environment. |
|
|
Quality of Development
Effective use of Land
Mix of Uses
Heritage
Community Services
KMSP Home
Contents
Chapter 4
Chapter 6
PDF Version of this Chapter
Top of page
|
5.5 There is now a clear expectation that the planning system will
promote sustainable and well designed development and this is reflected
in a range of national planning policy guidance notes and other
Government publications. It is important
that development responds well to the distinct character of each
settlement. This character is formed by the buildings, open spaces
landscape, street pattern, landmarks, materials used and other features.
Each town or village therefore has a different set of physical design
problems and opportunities. Achieving good design means looking
at the function, convenience and context of a development as well
as the appearance and appropriateness of its architecture. It must
address the public domain including the space between buildings
and the needs of the community as well as those directly involved
with the project to contribute to reaching decisions.
5.6 Good design can often be achieved at no overall extra cost.
Using good urban design and management to focus more attention on
street maintenance, public open space and pedestrian routes can
result in economic benefits to an area as well as making places
more attractive. The Kent Design Guide has been prepared as Supplementary
Planning Guidance by Kent's local authorities. It advocates high
quality design for new development making sure it is in harmony
with its surroundings but without stifling innovation.
|
Good urban design and high quality architecture will help
to deliver strategic planning policies in Kent in a number
of ways:
- by providing Kent residents with a higher quality environment
in which to live;
- by making towns more attractive, through high quality
building and landscape;
- by satisfactorily accommodating higher density and mixed
use development, and integrating new uses for vacant sites,
thus contributing to the targets for development on previously
used land;
- by increasing the confidence to invest, particularly in
town centres and the inner parts of our urban areas;
- by making it easier and safer to move around on foot or
by bicycle and reducing dependence on the car;
- by bringing together different housing types and local
services, and encouraging community development;
- by producing buildings and layouts which consume less
energy and water
- by adopting design measures that contribute to public
health and safety, and reduce crime;
- by making buildings flexible enough to be adapted and
extended throughout their life to meet changing needs and
requirements;
- by reducing physical isolation and encouraging social
inclusion, for example by making areas more accessible and
better connected and by encouraging the design of dwellings
to meet the "homes for life" standard;
- by adopting design which complements local architecture
and contributes to urban and village character.
|
5.7 The overall character and identity of a settlement is of importance
both to its economic well being and for the quality of life of its
residents. Investors are influenced by the cultural, leisure and
retailing vitality of settlements. Applying good urban design principles
helps to make towns more attractive and successful places in which
to live and work. High quality urban design has an important part
to play in delivering wider community objectives. In particular,
the Structure Plan and Community Strategies aim to encourage journeys
by foot and cycle, improve health and safety and reduce crime. An
important contribution can be made to improving the quality of life
in these areas through programmes for pedestrian and cycle priority
and circulation, for the appearance and treatment of open spaces
and the spaces between buildings and townscape improvement particularly
in town centres.
|
Policy QL1:
(i) All development should be well designed and
be of high quality. Developments, individually or taken
together, should appropriately reflect the scale, layout
pattern and character of their local surroundings. Development
which would be detrimental to the built environment, amenity,
functioning and character of settlements or the countryside
will not be permitted. Existing built environment of high
quality and character will be protected and enhanced.
(ii) Local authorities and others will:
(a) ensure that the distinctive character of towns
and villages is conserved and improved;
(b) apply the principles of the Kent Design Guide
when determining planning applications and preparing site-specific
development guidance;
(c) require that a design statement accompanies
proposals for development with accurate illustrations of
the development in its surroundings;
(d) develop design policies for their area based
on an analysis of the quality, character and significance
of the surrounding built and natural environment. This will
include:
(i) identification of areas where local design
policies will apply to take account of their special character;
(ii) provision of design guidance within development
briefs and master plans for major development sites and
areas of change.
(iii) The design of development should:
(a) consider the needs of all sections of the community;
(b) provide for a healthy, safe and secure environment;
(c) enhance the public realm;
(d) protect the amenity of residents;
(e) incorporate sustainable construction techniques
including provision for recycling facilities, water conservation
and energy efficiency.
|
|
Policy QL2:
A concerted effort will be made to improve the appearance,
design and ambience of the public realm including streets,
squares, walkways, green space and vistas in both town and
country. This will be implemented by:
(i) programmes of investment in new and refurbished
public spaces;
(ii) the improvement of townscapes including environmental
enhancement;
(iii) improved maintenance of streets, squares
and other open spaces;
(iv) adoption of measures that foster community
safety and security;
(v) encouragement, as appropriate, of retail, leisure,
cultural and civic activity to bring vitality to the central
areas of our towns and cities.
|
|
Policy QL3:
Local authorities will establish priorities and programmes
for:
a) pedestrian priority and reduced traffic speeds
within town centres, in existing residential areas and in
major new development areas;
b) the provision of safe pedestrian and cycle routes
to schools;
c) a network of high quality, direct and convenient
pedestrian and cycle routes linking public open space, safe
streets and parks in urban areas, residential areas with
community facilities/services and the principal urban areas
with the surrounding countryside;
Where directly related, contributions from developments to
the implementation of such programmes may be required.
|
|
Policy QL4:
The separation of settlements will be maintained including:
a) Safeguarding of the open and undeveloped character
of the countryside around and between settlements, including
the use of landscape buffers;
b) The allocation of land on the edge of settlements
for uses which maintain or enhance their setting;
c) The protection of important features and views.
|
|
For example:
Better Places to Live by Design : Companion Guide to PPG3 By Design
: Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment.
|
|
Quality of Development
Effective use of Land
Mix of Uses
Heritage
Community Services
KMSP Home
Contents
Chapter 4
Chapter 6
PDF Version of this Chapter
Top of page
|
5.8 It is important to make best use of development land. The
greater part of most Kent towns has not been developed to a high
density and land is not always used efficiently. There are opportunities
to increase the density of residential and commercial development
for example, through redeveloping single storey buildings or changing
the way parking is provided. This can create more interesting and
lively townscapes, while conserving the best character of Kent's
towns. New development or intensification can use loft space, extra
storeys, basements and terracing to make the most efficient use
of the land available. Higher densities can be achieved without
compromising wider design objectives or the quality of development.
5.9 There will in future be more one and two person households
in younger and older age groups who will require smaller dwellings
close to public transport and community services. Higher densities
can be assisted by providing less car parking, especially where
there is good access to good quality public transport.
| Policy QL5:
In appropriate locations and in conjunction with the delivery
of high quality development, new development will be subject
to average net densities* as follows:
- 30 dwellings per hectare for residential use;
- 50 dwellings per hectare for residential use in central
urban areas or close to major public transport nodes;
- 3500 sq. metres per hectare for business uses (Use Classes
B1-B8).
More efficient use of land should be achieved through redevelopment
of low density uses, especially within the central parts of
the major/principal urban areas. |
* Ratios apply to the area of land used for residential and
business use excluding major roads and landscaping, and other uses. |
|
|
5.10 Developments with a mixture of land uses can have strong
advantages over large areas given over to a single use. They can
reduce the need for travel to work or to reach services and they
can improve the prospects for investment, by spreading risk and
maximising value. Mixed use also creates more interesting environments,
while a range of house types fosters more balanced communities.
Significant new land releases including major regeneration sites
should provide mixed uses capable of creating communities with good
access to a full range of services, either within themselves, or
by association with existing development. Major allocations or developments
based on a single land use should, where practicable, be reviewed
with a view to introducing a wider mix of uses as long as this would
not conflict with other Structure Plan policies or adversely affect
meeting strategic development requirements for housing or new employment.
|
Policy QL6:
a) New large scale developments will include a mix
of residential and employment uses, unless an appropriate
mix can be achieved through proximity to, and integration
with, existing development. They will incorporate appropriate
community and other services if not available within walking
distance or if they cannot be provided in extended facilities
nearby;
b) Opportunities should be taken to introduce an
appropriate mix of uses into existing developed areas and
on major sites currently planned for single use where this
would lead to a better balance in the mix of development;
c) Consideration of proposals for other sites should
assess their potential contribution to mixed use, either
within the development site itself or by complementing surrounding
uses.
|
|
|
|
Quality of Development
Effective use of Land
Mix of Uses
Heritage
Community Services
KMSP Home
Contents
Chapter 4
Chapter 6
PDF Version of this Chapter
Top of page
|
5.11 Kent's historic environment is an irreplaceable asset which
contributes greatly to the character of the county but which is
vulnerable to damage or destruction. There is a duty of care for
once lost, components of the historic environment can never be replaced.
The conservation of our heritage has economic and social benefits.
It helps to maintain varied and attractive places in which to live
and work, provides historic places to visit and enjoy and encourages
investment in, and re-use of, old buildings. Features and areas
of archaeological or historic importance should be protected, conserved
and enhanced where possible. Some of these features are protected
by statute, for example Scheduled Ancient Monuments, Listed Buildings
or Conservation Areas, while others are recognised as being of more
local importance.
Conservation Areas
5.12 Kent's most important areas of special architectural or historic
interest have been designated as conservation areas (there are almost
500 such areas in Kent and Medway). Designation helps to ensure
protection against harmful development and encourages environmental
improvement. The sense of history and the type and quality of buildings,
spaces, trees and other features contributes to the special character
of these areas.
5.13 The variety of building styles dating from different historical
periods can add to character and interest within a conservation
area. New buildings do not always have to copy their older neighbours
to be successful. Innovative design of new buildings may be appropriate
provided it is of high quality and is sensitive to the character
of the conservation area.
5.14 It is important to take into account the impact of proposals
outside conservation areas where these might affect important views
into, and out of such areas. Highway improvements and maintenance
will be carried out in a manner which is sensitive to their surroundings
in order to minimise adverse environmental impacts on conservation
areas. Co-ordinated environmental improvement schemes will be carried
out in appropriate locations.
|
Policy QL7:
The primary planning policy towards conservation areas is
to preserve or enhance their special character and appearance.
Development within conservation areas should preserve and
enhance the character of the conservation area. Development
which would harm the character of a conservation area will
not be permitted.
District Planning authorities should:
(i) include policies within local development documents
that protect within conservation areas the plan form, buildings,
architectural features, archaeological sites, trees, streets
and spaces, and the relationships between these features,
which contribute to their special character and setting;
(ii) review the boundaries of existing conservation
areas and, where appropriate, amend them and/or identify
new conservation areas;
(iii) carry out conservation area appraisals to
identify important features or characteristics which need
to be protected and develop strategies for the enhancement
of conservation areas.
|
|
|
|
Archaeological Sites
5.15 Kent has a wealth of archaeological sites, ancient monuments
and historic landscapes. These provide valuable information about
the past and make an important contribution to education, leisure
and tourism. Because of its location close to mainland Europe, Kent
was historically well placed for trade and for receiving new ideas,
but at the same time vulnerable to invasion. This is reflected in
the county's archaeology. From earliest times Kent supported prosperous,
as well as socially and politically advanced, communities. Along
the coastline are the remains of defensive works dating from the
Roman period through to the Second World War. It is strategic policy
to preserve, record and promote this rich archaeological heritage.
5.16 The emphasis should be on preserving archaeological sites
'in situ' (i.e. in their original position). If this is not appropriate
or possible, then an archaeological investigation for the purposes
of 'preservation by record' will be required before the site is
developed. This is likely to involve a full archaeological excavation
and recording of the site, conservation of any finds, and publication
of the results. Provision should be made for the long-term storage
of the site archive and finds, for future generations. Displays,
both temporary and permanent, can help people to appreciate the
value of archaeology and can provide a sense of history for new
and existing communities.
The Kent Extensive Urban Archaeology Survey provides an overview
of the archaeological resources of Kent's historic towns and sets
out a framework for taking this into account in assessing development
proposals. This will be adopted as Supplementary Planning Guidance.
|
Policy QL8:
The archaeological and historic integrity of scheduled ancient
monuments and other important archaeological sites, together
with their settings, will be protected and, where possible,
enhanced.
Where important or potentially important archaeological remains
may exist, developers will be required to arrange for archaeological
assessment and/or field evaluation to be carried out in advance
of the determination of planning applications.
Where the case for development affecting an archaeological
site is accepted, the archaeological remains should be preserved
in situ. Where preservation in situ is not possible or justified,
appropriate provision for preservation by record will be required.
|
|
|
|
Quality of Development
Effective use of Land
Mix of Uses
Heritage
Community Services
KMSP Home
Contents
Chapter 4
Chapter 6
PDF Version of this Chapter
Top of page
|
Buildings of Architectural or Historic Importance
5.17 Kent has the second highest number of historic buildings of
any shire county with more than 18,000 Grades I, II* and II listed
buildings in Kent and Medway. They make a valuable contribution
to tourism and the cultural heritage of Kent. It is important to
protect them and their settings.
5.18 Generally, the best way to secure the upkeep of historic buildings
is to retain them in the use for which they were originally intended,
or in their current use. A proposed change of use for a listed building
may be acceptable if it offers the best way of retaining or refurbishing
it.
5.19 Demolition of buildings of special architectural or historic
interest will require a very strong case to be made. In such cases
there is a legal requirement to allow English Heritage reasonable
access to a building to make a record of it prior to demolition.
The local authorities will seek to reduce the number of listed buildings
'at risk' and to identify ways to reduce the number recorded at
risk on the Buildings at Risk Register maintained by English Heritage.
5.20 Alteration of a historic building can involve the destruction
of important features and should be avoided. Before work is carried
out a suitable record should be prepared. Where demolition or alteration
would damage part of the structure of a building of special architectural
or historic interest, applicants may be required to document fully
the impact of the proposed works on the historic fabric of the building
before the application can be determined.
5.21 Kent's built heritage can be identified by the use of local
stones, bricks and tiles made from locally produced clay, as well
as by the use of flint, thatch, oak and weather boarding. The use
of similar materials for alterations, repair and new build can help
to maintain and enhance the character of the county's buildings
of historic or architectural interest, conservation areas and other
visually sensitive areas.
|
Policy QL9:
Listed Buildings will be preserved and their architectural
and historic integrity and the character of their settings
will be protected and enhanced. Changes of use will be permitted
where these will provide the best reasonable means of conserving
the character, appearance, fabric, integrity and setting of
listed buildings.
|
The demolition or partial demolition of a listed building will
require exceptional justification. Where demolition, partial demolition
or alterations would damage part of a listed building, appropriate
arrangements for the investigation and recording of its historic
fabric may be required.
The Historic Landscape
5.22 The historic landscape of Kent includes World Heritage Sites,
historic parks and gardens, historic battlefields as well as the
wider landscape itself (as recognised by Policy E3). Historic landscape
features are special because of their contribution to the character
of the urban and rural historic environment. The settings of historic
landscapes and views into, and out of, them are also important and
should be protected.
5.23 The "Register of Parks and Gardens of special historic
interest in England" is compiled by English Heritage. Its main
purpose is to help ensure that the special features and qualities
of these assets are safeguarded. There are other parks and gardens
which are of local importance (for example as listed in the Kent
Gardens Compendium), and these may also deserve protection.
|
Policy QL10:
Development will not be permitted which would have an adverse
impact upon the historic and archaeological importance, landscape
character and physical appearance of historic landscapes,
parks and gardens.
The settings and views into, and out of, historic landscapes,
parks and gardens will be protected and where possible enhanced.
|
Enabling Development
5.24 In certain cases funds for the repair and restoration of a
'heritage asset', that cannot be generated from any other source,
can be provided by permitting 'enabling development'. This ensures
the preservation of the asset through cross subsidy made possible
by the associated development. A 'heritage asset' describes any
component of the historic environment, including scheduled monuments
and other archaeological remains, statutorily listed historic buildings
and others of more local significance, conservation areas, registered
historic parks and gardens and battlefields and other historic landscape
features.
5.25 Proposals for enabling development can only be justified on
the basis that the benefit to the community of preserving or enhancing
the heritage asset outweighs any harm. The enabling development
must preserve the asset, not detract from its archaeological, architectural,
historic, landscape or biodiversity interest or harm its setting.
The development must be shown to be the minimum necessary to secure
the long-term future of the asset and be shown to minimise any adverse
effects. Further guidance is contained in English Heritage's Policy
Statement on "Enabling development and the conservation of
heritage assets" (2001).
|
Policy QL11:
Development for the purposes of protecting a heritage asset
will be permitted only where this is the sole means of protecting
and securing the long-term future of the asset. The scale
of development shall not exceed that required to achieve this
objective and be in a form that minimises dis-benefits.
|
5.26 People want to live in safer, more prosperous communities
with access to good housing and public transport, improved education,
health and leisure facilities and jobs. Such communities are also
likely to have lower unemployment and less dependency on social
security benefits. Through their Community Strategies the local
authorities are working in partnership with service providers to
improve community services, increase public safety and reduce crime.
The Structure Plan can assist these objectives particularly by promoting
sustainable settlements and regeneration, improving accessibility
and meeting community needs for development.
5.27 A wide range of services is essential to community well being.
It includes education, health, social care, sport, youth and community
services, recreation and the arts. The existing pattern of development
has allowed some areas to become deficient in services or only able
to access them by the car. The Structure Plan can help promote a
co-ordinated approach to providing community services by requiring:
- high quality urban design, which itself encourages a sense of
community
- land and buildings for community services, especially to support
new housing
- land for recreation and open space
5.28 The diversity of local communities must be taken into account
and opportunities taken to promote social inclusion and maximise
life chances and independence. People with disabilities, older people
and the young are less mobile than the majority of the population
but need access to a wide range of facilities. The number and proportion
of older people in the population as a whole is set to increase
but new communities meanwhile have a high proportion of young people.
Gender and ethnic groups also have particular needs. This diversity
should be reflected in the type and design of development proposed.
In particular, planning policies should ensure that no one section
of the community is isolated from housing, services, employment,
shopping or other support. An important reason for concentrating
development in the principal urban areas is that they will be able
to sustain a full range of services including good quality public
transport.
Providing for community services
5.29 Existing community buildings and open space will be protected
from development where there is a continuing need for them. In other
cases new facilities may be needed where growth is taking place
in order to remedy existing deficiencies or to allow service providers
to invest in new facilities.
5.30 Planning for community services can be complex. There are
few dominant service centres among the small to medium sized towns
in Kent, and rural areas rely extensively on the urban areas. Services
are provided by both the public and private sectors, and must adapt
to changing demands and to new arrangements for service delivery
- for example by combining library, adult education and other services
into a single building and by the multiple use of buildings as meeting
places and local service centres. This can reduce the need to travel,
make efficient use of land and premises and at the same time make
services more accessible. Health and social services will require
new forms of accommodation that provide supported living, residential
and recuperative care. The standard of existing service provision
will be important, as will the need to respond to local requirements
and provide innovative services.
|
Policy QL12:
Existing community services* and recreation facilities will
be protected as long as there is a demonstrable need for them.
Provision will be made for the development of local services
in existing residential areas and in town and district centres,
particularly where services are deficient. Flexibility in
the use of buildings for mixed community uses, and the concentration
of sports facilities at schools, will be encouraged.
|
* community services includes schools and other education provision,
social services, adult education, libraries ,youth and community
services, health, culture, recreation and amenity space, sport,
local shopping, public utilities, and transport.
5.31 In cases where existing community buildings do not have the
capacity to serve new residential developments, standards for the
provision of land for community services e.g. as set out in the
KCC Guide for Developers will be used. Precise requirements for
a particular development are likely to be determined in development
briefs and through negotiation with developers, but Local Development
Documents should safeguard land for community purposes early in
the planning process. Community services should be located wherever
practicable in multi use facilities at town, district or local centres
and should not depend upon transport by the private car.
5.32 The expansion of Further and Higher Education could support
wider regeneration initiatives in Medway and growth at Ashford as
well as building on existing strengths in these sectors at Canterbury.
Housing growth will often require increased education provision
both on new sites and at existing schools. Other major community
needs include improved health care facilities in West Kent.
5.33 It is essential that unless there are exceptional circumstances
the costs of providing new community facilities needed to support
new housing or other development is met by the development in question
(see also Policy IMP1, Chapter 11).
|
Policy QL13:
a) Provision will be made to accommodate local community
services* within new residential, commercial and mixed use
developments, and in response to growth in demand from the
community as a whole;
b) Residential development will not be permitted
until the funding for the community services it requires
has been identified and agreed;
c) Provision will be made in Local Development
Documents for major new community facilities. Specifically
land will be provided for:
- expansion of Further and/or Higher education at Canterbury
and Medway and Ashford;
- primary and secondary schools in areas of major new dwelling
provision;
- a new general hospital at Tunbridge Wells.
New community services will be located where they are accessible
by walking and cycling and by public transport from the area
they serve. Whenever practical they will be located in town,
district or local centres.
|
* community services includes schools and other education provision,
social services, adult education, libraries, youth and community
services, health, culture, recreation and amenity space, sport,
local shopping, public utilities, and transport. |
 |
|
Culture and the Arts
5.34 Facilities for culture and the arts range from formal performance
and exhibition space to the dual use of existing buildings and street
festivals. They can help to bring vitality to our towns and villages,
foster community spirit and preserve the heritage of Kent and its
communities. In recent years several towns and cities in the UK
and abroad have undergone a renaissance founded upon individual
landmark buildings or a cluster of related developments which foster
the local arts and cultural 'scene'. Innovative new buildings, of
an appropriate scale and design, can help to stimulate public interest
further. The proposed Turner Centre in Margate seeks to foster such
a transformation in the image of Thanet.
|
Policy QL14:
Proposals for cultural or arts facilities will be encouraged,
particularly where located within, or close to town centres
or public transport nodes. Development proposals in general
should seek to promote public art, both directly and through
the provision of development contributions.
|
Provision for open space, sport and recreation
5.35 Sport is a vital part of education and can help to develop
community spirit, engender good health, enhance community safety,
and contribute to regeneration. Kent has a large population and
a wide range of sports facilities, although provision for the most
specialised and large scale sport and recreation is hampered by
the absence of a strong regional centre within the County. There
are few sporting facilities of strategic significance in Kent.
5.36 High quality sports venues, which can also be used for entertainment
and other purposes, have considerable value in regenerating urban
areas. As a potential location for such facilities, Kent can benefit
from its proximity to London, its international and national transport
links and from the areas of major growth within the County notably
Thames Gateway and Ashford. |
|
|
Quality of Development
Effective use of Land
Mix of Uses
Heritage
Community Services
KMSP Home
Contents
Chapter 4
Chapter 6
PDF Version of this Chapter
Top of page
|
5.37 The provision of new sports facilities must have regard to
minimum standards but must also be based on an assessment of local
demand and the quality of existing facilities. In rural areas the
possibility of creating focal points for sport and recreation by
clustering facilities together should be examined. This can also
add to the sustainability of key settlements. Kent's 'Strategic
Framework for Sport' identifies deficiencies
in the county in a number of single sport and multi sports facilities
such as sports halls and swimming pools and recognises the role
that dual use and joint provision can play in meeting those needs.
5.38 This Plan encourages investment in local sports facilities,
but also supports the provision of more specialised venues and major
competition facilities that respond to county wide, regional or
national requirements. There is a particular focus in this regard
on the regional priority areas of Thames Gateway and Ashford.
|
Policy QL15:
The development of high quality venues for sport to serve
Kent and wider regional or national requirements will be encouraged.
Assessment of the potential for such facilities will give
particular emphasis to Thames Gateway and Ashford. Any such
provision should be accessible to the County as a whole by
a choice of transport and preferably be at a major or principal
urban area.
|
|
Policy QL16:
All major new formal recreation and sports facilities, including
intensively used facilities in rural areas such as golf courses,
should be accessible by a choice of transport and designed
to avoid nuisance from traffic, noise and lighting.
Local Development Documents will make provision for sport,
informal and formal recreation facilities taking account of
the potential for dual use and/or joint provision. Where there
is a continuing need, existing facilities will be protected
and where these are deficient land will be identified for
improvements.
The need for new facilities within major new residential
and mixed-use developments will be assessed and appropriate
provision made.
Where additional facilities are needed in rural areas priority
should be given to clustered provision at rural service centres.
|
|
Kent:
The Champion County: The Strategic Framework for Sport in Kent 2003-2008:
Kent County Council |
|
Quality of Development
Effective use of Land
Mix of Uses
Heritage
Community Services
KMSP Home
Contents
Chapter 4
Chapter 6
PDF Version of this Chapter
Top of page
|
5.39 Kent is an important area for water sports and recreation,
due to its long coastline and to the major area of sheltered sailing
close to London provided by the estuaries of the Thames, Medway
and Swale. Facilities for mooring, landing and launching craft may
need to be improved if this is to be capitalised upon this but congestion
and conflict between users should be taken into account. There is
continuing potential for inland water recreation through sensitive
restoration of mineral workings. Particular considerations apply
to water sports because of the sensitive nature of the areas in
which they are found. While this Plan protects the undeveloped coast,
opportunities to add to facilities which support water sports within
existing urban areas or where existing port or commercial uses are
declining should be examined.
|
Policy QL17:
Development that improves or extends water recreation in
Kent will be permitted provided it causes no material harm
to species, natural habitats or the wider environment.
|
5.40 Open space, playing fields and informal recreation areas should
be protected from development. As a feature which is central to
the quality of urban living it is also important to identify and
greatly improve the network of open space within urban areas and
its connection to the edge of towns and the wider countryside.
- add to the quality of development;
- encourage investment by improving the setting of development
sites;
- provide a local amenity and opportunities to support wildlife;
- accommodate safe pedestrian and cycle routes - to succeed
fully as communication routes they must be continuous, direct
and easy to access.
|
|
Policy QL18:
Local authorities will prepare open space strategies and
reflect their land use requirements in Local Development Documents:
a) In urban areas local authorities will establish
and extend green-space networks as corridors for movement
by foot and cycle, as havens for wildlife and natural habitats
and for leisure, amenity and recreational use. Where practicable
green linkages should be encouraged from within settlements
to the open countryside;
b) Existing open space and public rights of way
will be protected and improved as part of these networks,
which, where possible, should extend through major new development
sites and connect directly with community facilities, employment
areas and transport hubs;
c) In rural areas the rights of way network will
be protected and enhanced.
|
5.41 The major/principal urban areas of Kent Thameside and Medway
and Swale in Thames Gateway and Thanet, Canterbury and Ashford in
East Kent are bordered by extensive highly valued environmental
assets. The establishment of 'regional conservation parks' could
create a setting for the existing urban areas, provide for environmental
improvement, create new leisure and recreational opportunities with
improved public access to them alongside the conservation and enhancement
of these high quality countryside assets. Sustainable management
of improved recreational opportunities within these areas would
be an essential requirement of such proposals. The extent and definition
of the parks and the way they would link with adjoining urban areas
(including the green space networks within them) need closer examination
on a sub regional basis.
|
Policy QL19:
The potential for Regional Conservation Parks will be investigated
in North Kent and within the Stour Valley catchment in East
Kent. Where appropriate, they will be defined and safeguarded
in Local Development Documents.
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
 |
