Major Changes For Dover District

Press Releases

Major Changes For Dover District

Dover District could be a very different place in twenty years time after the District Council decided to consult on a high-growth strategy for the area.

Prospects are bright for 4000 new jobs in the District in the next ten years. This growth means that up to 10,000 new homes, new facilities and new infrastructure all form part of the plan proposed by the Council to give Dover District a facelift over the next two decades and make it fit for the challenges of the rest of this century.

The plans are outlined in the proposed Local Development Framework (LDF), the strategy that will define the vision for the district’s future, which is going out to public consultation between 27 March and 7 May.

Cllr Paul Watkins, Leader of DDC, said: “A series of once in a generation opportunities is coming together for a world-class future for the district. The LDF provides a fantastic chance for us to take a fresh look at our area, and make sure we realise this potential. The option that DDC is proposing is the best chance for the economy to grow, with better job opportunities and better housing choice, including more affordable housing, providing a more sustainable future for the district.”

The Council is undertaking a major public consultation exercise to enable all residents to have a say on the LDF and on Dover District’s future. The consultation runs for six weeks from 27 March and during this period the options document will be on the Council’s website at www.dover.gov.uk. Copies will also be in public libraries and Council offices throughout the district. A series of exhibitions will be held in Dover, Deal and Sandwich. A leaflet explaining all the ways to respond to the consultation will also be delivered to every household and business.

Cllr Watkins continued: “This is such an important project that all residents should get involved. Dover District is changing and we have a golden opportunity to shape that change for a great future.”

Key factors for the future include:

A recent study of district businesses shows confidence is high, with strong prospects for jobs growth. A range of exciting developments is moving us forward for a world-class future, with the high speed rail link and a range of major developments coming together
Dover District faces demographic changes over the next 20 years that unchecked would see the population age dramatically - leading to 5,000 fewer children and 7,400 fewer people of working age We need to take action to counter the forecasts and make sure we have the workforce the economy needs
Major issues are focussed on Dover - its transformation is crucial to the success of the district To realise the potential of opportunities that are coming together, we need a high growth planning strategy that includes raising skills and productivity, improving housing, shopping and leisure, and accompanying infrastructure.

Exhibitions will be held:

27, 28 & 29 march at dover discovery centre, dover, 4 & 5 april in deal library 11 & 12 april at the guildhall, sandwich

This diagram illustrates the council’s proposals and objectives for the future of the district (pdf, 117kb)

Articles in the Spring 2008 edition

Email: pr@dover.gov.uk