Tenterden and Rural Sites

The Tenterden & Rural Sites Development Plan Document (DPD) forms part of the Ashford’s Local Development Framework and will deal primarily with the allocation of residential development in Tenterden and other rural settlements. The DPD also covers a range of policies that deal with rural planning issues. It is consistent with the strategic planning approach for the rural areas, as set out under Policy CS6 of the Adopted Core Strategy.

Formal Submission of the Tenterden and Rural Sites DPD

The Publication Version of the Tenterden and Rural Sites DPD was published in June 2009 and was subject to 6 weeks public consultation. In light of the comments received, the Council produced a ‘Schedule of Proposed Changes to the DPD’ which was released for 6 weeks consultation in November 2009.

Following this, the Council has decided to proceed with the formal submission of the DPD to Government approval. Formal submission was made on the 22^nd February 2010.

The Council has also proposed a series of further amendments to the DPD, in response to the representations received on the ‘Schedule of Proposed Changes’. The proposed amendments are changes that the Council will invite the Inspector, appointed to conduct the Public Examination of the DPD, to recommend in his/ her subsequent binding Report. They have been submitted to the Secretary of State alongside the Tenterden and Rural Sites DPD.

Examination in Public

The Secretary of State have appointed Inspector Stephanie Chivers BA DipTP MRTPI, to conduct the Examination in Public. The Inspector will check for legal compliance and establish soundness under the three tests i.e. if the DPD is justified, effective and consistent with national policy.

A Programme Officer has been appointed. The Programme Officers role is to serve as an impartial officer at the inquiry and give support to the Inspector and is the point of contact for all parties.

The Programme Officer for this Examination is Mrs Pam Herapath and can be contacted during normal office hours. Contact details are:

Tenterden and Rural Sites DPD Programme Officer

c/o ASHFORD BOROUGH COUNCIL

Civic Centre

Tannery Lane

Ashford

KENT

TN23 1PL

Tel: 01233 330747

Mobile: 07774 707 212

email: programmeofficer@ashford.gov.uk

All contact about the Examination process should be made through the Programme Officer.

Notice of Examination and Pre-Examination Meeting

A Pre-Examination meeting conducted by Inspector Stephanie Chivers BA DipTP MRTPI is to be held in the Council Chamber, Ashford Borough Council, Civic Centre, Tannery Lane, Ashford, Kent on Thursday 29th April 2010, commencing at 10.00am.

The Examination hearings will commence at 10.00am on Tuesday 22nd June 2010, also in the Council Chamber. Notice of the Examination and Pre-Examination meeting will be sent to all those who made representations relating to the Tenterden and Rural Sites Regulation 27 'Publication Version' of the DPD (July 2009) and also the 'Schedule of Proposed Changes' to the Publication Version of the DPD (November 2009).

The meetings are open to the public and anyone interested should notify the Programme Officer (contact details provided above).

Supporting Information

Publication Version of the Tenterden and Rural Sites DPD - June 2009 and representations (via the portal)
Proposed Changes to the Publication Version of the Tenterden and Rural Sites DPD - November 2009 and representations (via the portal)

In conjunction with the preparation of the DPD, a Sustainability Appraisal has been produced which includes appraisals of all site submissions in CS6 settlements and of the Topic Policies.

Copies of the document have been sent to the ‘Statutory’ bodies which include Environment Agency, English Heritage and Natural England for consultation.