Ahead of a major revamp set for this autumn, an archaeological dig is taking place in Dover Market Square. A key revamp is set to see a new performance space, water feature and improved public realm created as a focal point to the town centre. DDC is managing the project on behalf of the Dover Town Team, which secured a grant of £2.44m from the Coastal Communities Fund.  

An exciting phase of the National Lottery funded Maison Dieu development project is also about to begin with an action-packed programme of events, workshops and skills-based training at Dover Town Hall.  The fun begins on Saturday 18/ Sunday 19 September when the building opens from 10pm-4pm for Heritage Open Days.

Key projects are also set to enhance Dover’s cultural and creative offer and better connect the high street and waterfront following a successful £3.2m bid to the Future High Streets Fund. 

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DDC is thanking everyone for getting involved and sharing their views, and has published the responses to a key consultation on the draft Local Plan, which sets out the vision and framework for development in the district to 2040. The comments can be viewed on the Local Plan website. 

We are currently reviewing all comments and deciding what changes will be needed to address issues raised. We are also updating the evidence base and carrying out assessment of sites submitted through the targeted call for sites.  

It is intended that an amended draft (called a Regulation 19 draft) will be ready for further consultation in early 2022. 

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DDC continues to invest in new housing as part of plans to build up to 500 new affordable homes across the district.

DDC has taken ownership of its latest affordable housing project with 29 new apartments for shared ownership in Dover town centre developed in conjunction with Homes England. The development includes 22 two-bedroom apartments and seven one-bedroom apartments on Harold Street. The £12.5m mixed tenure development also includes Bomford Place which provides 24 new homes for social rent by local people on the Council’s waiting list, along with 12 town houses for private sale. 

As part of ongoing work to protect the environment and generate housing solutions for the future, DDC is also investing in cutting edge solar panel systems at DDC housing developments at Kimberley Close in Dover and Stockdale Gardens in Deal. 

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Community groups that benefit the local area can bid for grants from £100 up to £2,000, as part of DDC's Community Grants Scheme.  The deadline for bids for the winter round of the scheme has been extended to 12 noon on Monday 20 September 2021.

The grants scheme was split into summer and winter rounds this year. 81 local groups benefitted from the summer round and were awarded a total sum of nearly £80,000. The overall amount allocated to grants for 2021 is £230,000 and includes £7.5k from the Dover District Lotto, (see below).

DDC increased its Community Grants to help local groups deliver projects in a COVID-safe way. As we've been following the Government's roadmap out of lockdown, DDC recognises the immensely important role local groups have played and continue to play as we move forward. 

• Community Grants Scheme

As we continue to invest in a great Deal, there's been a 'reel' boost for local anglers with the re-opening of Deal Pier’s lower deck. DDC has completed over £63,000 worth of repairs to the lower deck following tidal surges and storm damage last year. 

Three new pay-and-play outdoor tennis courts also opened in Victoria Park in Deal this summer thanks to investment by DDC and a £5,000 grant from the LTA. We are also completing repair works to the Timeball Tower in Deal, following the decision to carry out a key £80,000 renovation to the popular local attraction.

• More on Deal Pier repairs

A redevelopment project in Sandwich is set to transform the town’s square for residents and visitors, and includes highway improvements and resurfacing of the current space, along with new features such as improved seating, tree planting, and lighting. The project has been developed in collaboration with county, district and town councils, and the local community.

As part of the project, the bus shelter in the Guildhall Market Square has been relocated to Sandwich Quay. This marks the beginning of the wider development works.

The R&A has agreed to provide £75,000 towards the redevelopment of the Guildhall Square, alongside investment from DDC, Sandwich Town Council, KCC, Prince’s Golf Club and Discovery Park. The funding is part of the £100,000 windfall received from The Open Legacy Fund, an initiative run by The R&A to leave a positive and long-lasting impact on the local environment and communities in which The Open is staged.

For latest project updates, please sign up to Keep Me Posted (Sandwich Projects).

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Local good causes across the district are celebrating with news that the Dover District Lotto has raised over £100,000 since it was launched by Dover District Council in 2019.

Over 120 local charities, community groups and clubs are benefiting from a regular income thanks to the Dover District Lotto.  There is no cost to sign up as a beneficiary of the lottery with 60% of ticket sales going direct to the good causes. Tickets cost just £1, and players can select which local good cause to support.  To date, players have won over £27,000 in prize money.  

For more information on how your local good cause could benefit from the Dover District Lotto, or to play and support a local good cause, visit www.doverlotto.com

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DDC has announced it is recruiting for 100 additional jobs as it expands its Dover Port Health Authority (DPHA) service to meet the need for increased imported food safety controls at the border.

Port health controls are managed by local authorities who enforce regulations on behalf of central government. 

This includes checks on imported food, inspecting ships for food safety and infectious disease controls, as well as general public and health protection within the port environment.

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