Dover is well known as the gateway to Europe, with the iconic White Cliffs, extensive chalk downland as Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and a wealth of archaeological and historical heritage. In spite of these assets, Dover has struggled in the past with the economic viability of some of its developments, resulting in poor quality outcomes.
There is a renewed interest in development across Dover district, not least from the Council whose new Local Plan places an emphasis on quality of design and placemaking. There are a number of strategic sites coming forward and it will be important that development respects the diversity of character across the district – from Dover as the Gateway to the UK, to Deal as a more affluent seaside town, and to villages like Aylesham, with their rich mining heritage.
The Dover District Design and Place Panel will ensure early intervention enables the best possible design outcomes, supporting the Corporate Plan for Dover to become ‘a district of ambition, inspiration and good living – a destination of choice’. The panel brings a range of expertise to support the priorities of regeneration, housing and communities, and climate change and the environment.