Preparing the plan

In Kent, we have a statutory function, along with Medway Council, to advise the South East England Regional Assembly on planning matters as it requests. We submitted advice to the assembly at a number of stages, including on 9 December 2005 where we stated:

• the broad scale, type and locations for new employment
• the number of new houses to be built in each district local authority - within overall totals set by the assembly
• the critical infrastructure that will be needed.

Together with Medway Council, we worked closely with district councils, consulted relevant organisations and undertook a six-week public consultation from 5 September 2005 to 17 October 2005 on this advice.

The Draft South East Plan includes 'sub-region strategies' based largely on our submissions, including:

• East Kent and Ashford - the greater part of Ashford borough, the coastal districts and Faversham
• Kent Thames Gateway - the north of the A2/M2 from Dartford to Sittingbourne

Before the government can adopt the draft plan, there must be a public inquiry or 'Examination in Public'.