Homes England are holding a public exhibition for proposals relating to the development of the remaining phases of the Buckland Mill site in Dover. The proposals are for approximately 120 residential units.
The public exhibition will provide an opportunity for members of the public to gain a further understanding of the vision and aspirations for the site, learn more about the proposed outline planning application as well as comment on the draft proposals.
The exhibition will be held at the Dover Discovery Centre, Market Square, Dover, CT16 1PH on Tuesday 28th January (11am – 5pm).
Background to the proposals
The Buckland Mill site historically housed a Paper Mill which operated for some 150 years and closed down in 2000. The site is now in Homes England ownership, who are the government’s housing accelerator. Homes England’s remit is to drive positive market change by releasing more land to developers to deliver the new homes England needs helping to improve neighbourhoods and grow communities.
The north-eastern portion of the site is currently undergoing development as part of a previous masterplan which now requires an extensive update and planning permission.
Homes England have re-assessed the site constraints and are keen to submit new plans to the council for approximately 120 residential units. The new development will prioritise the delivery of 2, 3 and 4 bedroom houses. The plans will also seek to naturalise the River Dour where possible, which will protect and enhance the ecology of the river. New public open space will also be provided, along with the provision of new cycleways and pedestrian links. The design approach will maximise long distance viewpoints to Dover Castle and where possible, enhance the setting of the adjacent listed buildings and historic non-listed buildings.
Following the public consultation, Homes England will review and analyse any feedback given and further evolve the proposals prior to submitting an outline planning application to Dover District Council later this spring. Once outline planning is granted, Homes England is looking to dispose of the site to a development partner.