Modification Reference

Policy / Paragraph number

Main Modification

Reason for change

MM/001

New supporting text to new policy

Add new text and Policy after Strategic Priority 5:

Development Strategy for Thanet

The development strategy for Thanet has been determined by a number of factors, namely;

• Significant policy constraints - the Thanet Coast is the subject of multiple national and international wildlife designations, including Ramsar Sites, Special Protection Areas and Special Areas of Conservation. Extensive areas to the south and west of the District are also subject to high levels of flood risk associated with former marshland and the Wantsum Channel.
• The size and geography of the District - Thanet is one of the smallest districts in Kent and is bounded by the sea on three sides. The largest settlements, including the main towns of Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate follow the coastline and form an almost continuous urban area, separated only by Green Wedges.
• Best and Most Versatile Agricultural Land - The rural hinterland beyond the urban area is predominantly Grade I agricultural land, with lower grade land only existing in small, isolated pockets, often subject to a high risk of flooding

Westwood is part of the wider urban area of Thanet, and is a major source of employment and retail facilities. In the previous Local Plan, a significant level of housing was proposed to encourage a more sustainable pattern of development and activity. That approach is continued in this Plan.

For these reasons the Plan does not set out a settlement hierarchy. Instead, it supports the principle of new development throughout the urban area as defined by the boundary on the Policies Map. Additional development is also supported on the edge of the urban area across a range of allocated sites consistent with the findings of the Sustainability Appraisal.

Beyond the urban area are seven rural villages of varying size, form and character. Minster is the largest of Thanet's rural villages and has a good range of services, and is therefore capable of accommodating a higher level of development, as set out in this Plan.

There are six smaller villages - Acol, Cliffsend, Manston, Monkton, Sarre and St.Nicholas - which possess a smaller range of local services and public transport connections.

Housing allocations have been made on a proportionate basis in the villages of Cliffsend, Monkton and St. Nicholas. However, Acol, Sarre and Manston only have very limited services and facilities required to meet the day-to-day needs of their residents. New development is therefore limited to proposals which fall within the confines of the village, and is expected to be small in scale, consistent with the their form and character.

Development will be permitted within the identified confines of the rural villages, as defined on the Policies Map.

To identify overall housing development strategy in single policy and provide clarity.

Modification Reference

Policy / Paragraph number

Main Modification

Reason for change

MM/002

New Policy SP01a

SP01a - Spatial Strategy - Housing

The primary focus for new housing development in Thanet is the urban area as identified on the Policies Map.

Within the Thanet villages, housing development is allocated primarily in Minster, with limited development at Cliffsend, Monkton and St Nicholas. No housing development is specifically allocated in Sarre, Acol or Manston, but housing development of a size and scale commensurate with the size of the relevant settlement will be permitted within village confines, subject to other policy requirements of the Plan.

To identify overall housing development strategy in single policy and provide clarity.

Modification Reference

Policy / Paragraph number

Main Modification

Reason for change

 MM/003

Policy SP01

Policy SP01 - Implementation

All new development will be expected to fully meet its infrastructure requirements, whether directly on site and/or by way of a contribution to necessary off-site infrastructure, having regard to the provisions of the Infrastructure Delivery Plan. that provision elsewhere, and to comply with the provisions of the Infrastructure Delivery Plan, in terms of provision of physical and social infrastructure. This Provision should be made in accordance with a phasing and implementation plan where necessary.   within the phasing programme set out in the draft Local Plan and draft Infrastructure Delivery Plan. AnyAll such requirements will be secured by means of conditions, legal agreements, Community Infrastructure Levy or other appropriate mechanisms.

The Council will also, with partner organisations as appropriate, seek to obtain additional funding from other sources to support infrastructure provision including, and to influence the strategic provision of services and facilitiesand other infrastructure by other organisations.

If necessary, the Council will give consideration to the usefull range of other available mechanisms (such as compulsory purchase*, Article 4 Directions and so on) to ensure the effective deliveryimplementation of the overall planning strategy for the district.

[*Footnote: subject to appropriate indemnity arrangements being in place]

To improve the effectiveness and clarity of the Policy

Modification Reference

Policy / Paragraph number

Main Modification

Reason for change

MM/004

Add new paras before para 45

The Council will undertake an early review of the Local Plan as set out in Policy SP01b. There are several matters that need consideration, as a result of changing circumstances:

• To consider the implications of climate change; 
• To review the provisions of the Plan in relation to Manston Airport in the light of a decision on the Development Consent Order;
• To assess the implications of the Local Housing Need Methodology on housing requirements for the district;
• To consider the provision of Gypsy & Traveller sites to meet the requirements set out in Policy HO22; and
• To ensure compatibility with the most recent National Planning Policy Framework.

There may be other issues that arise that need to be addressed through the review of the Plan.

For clarity

Modification Reference

Policy / Paragraph number

Main Modification

Reason for change

MM/005

New Policy SP01b

Local Plan Review

Within six months of the adoption of the Local Plan, the Council shall undertake and complete a review of the Plan with information published as part of an updated Local Development Scheme setting out a timetable for the completion of the review and any update as may be required.

To identify the need for early Plan review and provide clarity