Looking Forward For The Future In Deal
Far-reaching work to assess options for growth and look at
community needs for the future of Deal has been given the go
ahead.
Dover District Council and Kent County Council, with the support
of the Environment Agency, have appointed consultants GVA to lead
on a comprehensive study of Deal. This will lead to the
preparation of a detailed model that will inform future development
and investment proposals for the town.
The Local Development Framework identifies that historically
Deal’s ability to continue to grow has been constrained by
transport and environmental factors. This includes road access,
tidal flood risk, hydrology and drainage, ecology and landscape
factors.
Development over the last 20-30 years has seen a number of
issues raised by the public, including traffic levels and the
environmental impact of HGVs. The local economy has seen issues
around the difficulty in finding suitable land for major business
development, which leads to people travelling out of the town for
work. There is an issue around the need for modern shopping floor
space in the town centre, with the constraints of the road system,
and the need to protect important historic assets, (conservation
areas and listed buildings).
The current strategy is to rely on the redevelopment of the
former Betteshanger Colliery to the north west of Deal, and a
redevelopment of Minter’s Yard in North Deal. The Royal Cinque
Ports golf course is located along the coast to the north of Deal,
and is currently of national standing, but has the potential to
gain an even higher profile.
A key component of this study will be to involve and engage with
partners and the local community at different stages in the
project.
Cllr Paul Watkins, Leader of Dover District Council said: “Deal
is a beautiful seaside town and is great asset for the area.
However, it is vital that the district and our towns continue to
move forward for the future, with a range of regeneration across
the district. The Adopted Core Strategy has identified the need to
look at the potential for growth in Deal, and the community
benefits that could accompany this, and this major study and model
will provide an important assessment of options for growth and
investment.”
Mike Taylor, Director at GVA said: “We are delighted to have
been appointed by DDC. Our experience on similar projects means we
are equipped with the vision and expertise to deliver a viable
solution that corresponds with the long term needs of the local
community. By establishing development foundations that are long
term, Deal can look to unlock further opportunities without the
constraints that currently exist.”
Date: 25/01/2011
Contact: Andy Steele
Telephone: 01304 872020
Fax: 01304 872300
Press Office Direct Line: 01304 872020
