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Roger, (#1176) did you tell your constituents that the proposed developments fail on the sustainable objectives outlined in the Local Development Framework (LDF)?
In earlier postings, I have listed such failures as the provision of schools, medical services and ... of course, the lack of a Community Hospital.
LDF-DM 1 states that development will not be permitted on land outside the urban boundaries. While, LDF-DM 11 states that development that would generate travel will not be permitted outside the urban boundaries and rural settlement confines unless justified by development plan policies. Both the Farthingloe and the Western Heights are outside of the urban boundaries (Appeals APP/X2220/A03/1112995 and1113152) and the development of either has NOT been justified in the LDF.
A development consisting of a total of 705 residential units, 130 bed hotel and 150-person conference centre is going to create a lot of traffic. Appreciating that CGI, in their transport documents have given credence to public transport, cycling and walking, but with the topography of both sites, it is to be expected that the residents will make most journeys by car and therefore the developments are unsustainable and against both LDF DM1 and LDF DM11.
Further, CGI-TA p22 para 4.2.6, states that the company expects that most occupants will be working in the Port or Dover or the town centre. Even if this were to be the case, the topography, as stated above, would preclude proposed residents using sustainable forms of transport.
Of note, CGI company documents put a different focus on where the proposed residents will work, namely LONDON. This is hardly surprising as there is a shortage of 'graduate' jobs in the area and as the KCC Index of multi-deprivation shows; Dover District is 4th from bottom most deprived area in Kent.
Unemployment stands at 13%, with 21.6% of children in poverty. As the residents are likely to be working in London they will no doubt use the high-speed train - but NOT from Dover. Notwithstanding the lack of parking facilities at Dover Priory station, the topography will favour the use of the A20 to Folkestone West or Ashford International and from there the train to London.
Again, this will defeat the sustainability directive.
Lorraine