Lidsing Garden Community SPD - Employment Key Principles/Guidance

Support

Representation ID: 1555

Received: 29/01/2026

Respondent: Kent County Council

The majority of the principles set out are sensible

Support noted.

Support

Representation ID: 1556

Received: 29/01/2026

Respondent: Kent County Council

In relation to principle 'a': consideration should be given to whether employment space should exclusively be provided within a single land parcel and whether businesses supporting the community (small retail, lifestyle / service businesses, leisure and hospitality businesses, fitness provision etc.) should also be permitted elsewhere in the development rather than necessarily in a designated 'industrial zone'.
In relation to principle 'd': we would request that consideration be given to any local / county wide economic strategies to support the appropriate development of key industry sectors that complement existing industry and fill identified gaps. Commercial units should be targeted at growth sectors where there are opportunities for long term and sustainable commercial operations to operate.
In relation to principle 'd': we would also recommend that consideration be given to current commercial vacancy rates within the borough, and neighbouring boroughs and the types of commercial space already available nearby to ensure that provision meets market demand where there is an under-supply of certain types of commercial units to ensure rapid and ongoing occupancy.
There is currently no mention of the local labour market and this should be addressed in the principles & guidance. We would ask that local training / education providers are involved in early discussions about employment land uses to ensure that there are opportunities for local people to secure employment within businesses establishing a base on the development or even to establish their own companies on site. In particular, we would expect employers on the development to actively engage with the local community, especially young people, and in partnership with local training providers, to offer opportunities to local residents including apprenticeships and training opportunities. Not only would this reduce commuting/traffic movements to and from the site, but would provide career opportunities for local residents.

Support noted.
The SPD takes forward the requirement for 14 hectares of employment land and is in accordance with the general layout as per the 'Lidsing Garden Community Masterplan Vision Framework Plan' included as Figure 6-5 in the Local Plan Review, with employment space being within a defined parcel. The overall proposals included separate provision for a local centre which is anticipated to provide local retail and leisure facilities.
Officers agree that the principles should make reference and need to take into account relevant economic strategies to inform the types of spaces to be provided.
It will be the responsibility of the developers to engage with potential occupiers and other relevant stakeholders to inform the preparation of suitable planning applications.
The Council and other local stakeholders will maintain an active role through the establishment of a 'Planning & Infrastructure Working Group' to oversee the process.