A plan that will shape Dartford for the next three years has stepped closed to reality.

Dartford’s corporate plan was put to the cabinet last Thursday (June 29) and was unanimously approved by members.

The corporate plan sets out Dartford Council’s overall vision for the area.

The vision is to make Dartford: “The place of quality and choice, a place where people choose to live, work and enjoy their leisure time.”

Over the last three years, 2,700 homes have been built in the borough and a further 6,000 are expected to be built by 2022.

In the corporate plan it is proposed that in the next three years development of the Co-op site will begin, including a hotel, cinema, residential units and possibly a health hub.

This follows on from planning permission being granted for major improvements to Lowfield Street, with the first phase of development to being approved earlier this year.

In the report it reads that a key action for the council over the next three years is to appoint a developer for the Co-op site.

Another key action is to: “Create an enhanced space in Market Street which links the town to the park and enhances the setting of the Library and Museum with room to expand the market space and provide a public square.”

Speaking at cabinet, councillor Andy Lloyd, portfolio holder for strategic council finances and major capital projects, said: “I do believe this gives a great direction for us to follow.

“I support the plan and believe it a way we can all forward.”

Other key areas for the council’s corporate plan include working towards the housing needs of the borough.

According to figures released by Barratt Homes, Dartford is the highest performing local authority in Kent in terms of the Help to Buy scheme.

Figures show that 826 buyers purchased a brand new home, compared to just 43 in Tunbridge Wells.

The council’s corporate plan sets out an aim to: “Enable all types of housing to be built which will meet the various types of need in the borough.

“This will include the Council’s own build programme.”

The corporate plan is based around five themes; economic development and regeneration, health and well being, safer communities, environment and sustainability and housing and stronger communities. 

The final decision on the plan will be made in the future.