SPDs and planning guidance
We have produced a suite of planning guidance to support and expand upon policies contained within the adopted Development Plan. These documents set out our position on a range of key topics and are a material consideration for development control purposes.
Supplementary Planning Documents and Supplementary Planning Guidance are intended to provide detailed guidance on how planning policy will be implemented. They can either be topic or area related.
Supplementary Planning Documents (SPDs)
Our adopted SPDs can be viewed below:
Supplementary Planning Guidance (SPG)
Thanet Coast and Sandwich Bay SPA Mitigation Strategy
For all new residential development located within 9km of the Thanet Coast and Sandwich Bay Special Protection Area (SPA), Dover District Council collects financial contributions towards monitoring and mitigation measures outlined in the SPA Strategic Access Management and Monitoring (SAMMS).
In accordance with Policy NE4 of the adopted Local Plan, the strategy aims to mitigate the potential in-combination impacts of new housing development and resulting recreation pressure on the SPA. For more information, please see the link below.
First Homes Position Statment
Heritage Strategy
The Heritage Strategy was reviewed and updated in September 2020 to take note of changes and updates that have occurred since its adoption in 2013, to ensure that it is consistent with guidance from central government and that it remains robust and fit for purpose.
Conservation Area Character Appraisals
We have produced Conservation Area Character Appraisals for a number of areas in the district to provide a basis for developing initiatives that preserve and enhance the character and appearance of that area.
National Landscape (Formally Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty)
The Kent Downs National Landscape are designated by Natural England. They are afforded the highest level of protection under the Countryside Rights of Way Act.
The Kent Downs National Landscape Management Plan 2021-2026 has been adopted by the council and can be found at the link below:
Statement of Community Involvement
The Statement of Community Involvement (SCI) sets out:
- how we will involve the community in plan-making and when considering planning applications
- our publicity and consultation procedures
- what we expect applicants to do before they submit a planning application
The Statement of Community Involvement 2025 was adopted on 15 October 2025.
A Public Consultation was held from the 16 July until the 26 August 2025. All public comments received on the draft SCI can be viewed here: SCI Consultation Comments and Proposed Amendments.
Other planning documents
Contact
Email: planningpolicy@dover.gov.uk