Press Releases for 2004

SLOW DOWN HOUSING-LED EXPANSION DARTFORD NEEDS BETTER FACILITIES FIRST

21st October 2004

Kent Green Party is concerned that proposals for massive housing expansion in the Dartford area will occur regardless of traffic implications or use of scarce greenfield sites. It is recommending that Dartford Borough Council slow down the planning process to ensure any agreed new developments are 'facilities-led' not 'housing-led'. Steve Dawe comments:

"Development in the Eastern Quarry area will include up to 5000 housing units in one phase(1) with a further 1500 if the proposed Northfleet sub station development goes ahead(2). Close observation of development in Ashford, Herne Bay and Maidstone shows that suggested facilities intended to accompany new developments often do not get built.

"Dartford Borough Council has nothing to lose by delaying development in the Eastern Quarry area until facilities promised for the development are actually being built. At present, Medway, Ashford and Swale are all behind with housing targets. Kent Green Party argues that such delay is constructive as new developments need a large number of basic facilities which are often not provided. These include: good walking and cycling routes; new health centres; live-work units to help cut traffic journeys; primary school places; new public parks; retention of valuable habitats to protect biodiversity.

"However, failure to plan for traffic reductions will damage quality of life in new developments as elsewhere in Dartford. The Council must look at congestion charging to reduce traffic noise and emissions. The London congestion charging zone has reduced London's emissions from traffic by a huge 19%(3). Quality of life must be a part of new development: housing alone without tough transport policies will not meet all local needs or aspirations." ENDS c276 words

FURTHER INFORMATION: Steve Dawe, Press Officer, Kent Green Party, on 01233 645167 and 07747 036192. Contact address above.

Notes: 1. Land Securities is applying for planning permission for 5000 homes in the part of the Eastern Quarry area development which it owns, for decision in January. This follows on from the Supplementary Planning Guidance adopted by Dartford Borough Council which covers the whole area. 2. This and other comments based on concerns expressed by local residents to the Green Party and on conversations with consultants involved in preparing for the local exhibitions on the Northfleet Sub Station development 21-23rd October. 3. The Guardian, 20th October 2004.

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