DDC Planning Committee approves major new projects

Dover District Council's Planning Committee approved two major regeneration and housing schemes at its meeting yesterday (18 December 2014). Plans to unlock the heritage and tourism potential of the Western Heights were given a boost with approval for up to 31 residential units and a 130-bed hotel and conference centre. A further 500 new homes, along with a retirement village, health and community facilities at Farthingloe were also granted permission.

Western Heights and Farthingloe represent one of the most significant regeneration projects in the Dover district. The plans include opening up the economic and tourism potential of the Napoleonic fortifications on the Western Heights, including up to £5 million in section 106 contributions for heritage from the developer. Dover District Council and English Heritage have agreed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to work together to secure the heritage benefits.

Cllr Paul Watkins, Leader of Dover District Council, said: "This marks another important step in our regeneration and growth agenda. The proposals for Western Heights and Farthingloe represent a unique opportunity to enable the protection and enhancement of heritage through the delivery of new, quality housing schemes. We will work with developers to ensure that the design is in keeping with the environment."