News Have your say on design and sustainability in new developments
Maidstone Borough Council (MBC) is consulting on the further development of the Council’s Design and Sustainability Development Plan Document (DPD) and is encouraging residents, businesses, and stakeholders to have their say. The new plan will help embed good design and sustainability as a core element of new development in the Borough.
Philip Coyne, Interim Local Plan Director at MBC said:
“The Council is determined that high quality design, an ever improving public realm and a consistent commitment to sustainable development should underpin all growth in the borough.“When adopted, the new Design and Sustainability Development Plan Document will reinforce the policies across the borough in the adopted Local Plan and the forthcoming Local Plan Review. In doing so it will further establish what we feel are the principles of good design within new development and reaffirm the Council’s commitment to ensuring that this occurs in a sustainable manner.”
In order to maximise residents and stakeholders views the council is now asking for further comments. This will build on the earlier scoping, themes and issues consultation which took place from September to December 2022 and will seek views in relation to the more detailed policy framework which it is proposed will form the direction for the DPD.
Philip continued:
“In common with many Council’s across the South East, Maidstone has had to meet challenging housing targets and is continuing to do so through the current Local Plan Review. The review must also accommodate the associated growth in employment and the range of other socio-economic infrastructure required to support both existing and new communities, and it is important that the design and quality of these other important aspects of our urban environment are also captured by this document .”
The consultation is now open and closes 12 June. It can be found here: https://maidstone.objective.co.uk/portal/.
Responses received to this consultation will then go on to inform a more detailed document, which will be subject to further consultation.