Dover District Council is working to finalise the final draft of the Local Plan, which sets out the vision and framework for development in the district to 2040.

It is intended that a consultation on this will commence in March in the new year. For the latest information, please see the Local Plan website.

• More on Local Plan

A range of key initiatives is coming together for the future of the district - including multi million pound projects to provide a major boost to Dover Town Centre for 2022.

A £3.6m programme of improvements to Dover’s Market Square is now underway. Key partners gathered for a ground-breaking ceremony to mark the start of works.

DDC has also approved plans for up to 300 new homes on the main site of the former Connaught Barracks in Dover. Dover Fastrack, a new Homes England funded dedicated rapid transit bus route will also connect the development with Dover Town Centre and Dover Priory railway station.

• Reinventing Dover's Market Square

Christmas is coming to White Cliffs Country - and there's a range of information on seasonal events across the district.

There's free parking in DDC-owned off-street car parks from 23-28 December 2021 and 1-3 January 2022. 

We're also piloting a new free evening bus service to help keep local women safe as they enjoy fun and festive evenings out in the run up to Christmas.

We've confirmed our seasonal waste collections, with no changes to normal household waste and recycling days. Please see the DDC website for latest news on council services over Christmas/New Year. 

Please remember to stay safe this Christmas, and keep following all the latest Government COVID safety advice.

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The Dover Port Health Authority, part of Dover District Council, is to move into a new state-of-the art inspection facility from Spring 2022 ahead of the introduction of increased border checks from 1 July 22.

Bastion Point in Whitfield provides 75,751 sq. ft. of secure inspection facilities along with 8,625 sq. ft. of office space.

The Government is investing to remodel the former warehouse. Around 250 new staff will be employed by DDC and based at the facility which will operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

To find out more about job opportunities with the DPHA, and to apply online, please visit our job vacancies pages.  

• Dover Port Health Authority

Following a key renovation of the historic Deal Timeball Tower, the timeball is working again. The ball on the tower lowers at 1pm each day – and is ready to drop at midnight to see in the New Year.

A new mast has been made by Deal company Fabweld Metalworks, and was installed as part of the £80k renovation.  

The building is owned by DDC, and is run as a successful and award-winning museum and visitor attraction by the Deal Museum Trust and its amazing local volunteers. The Trust has also been fundraising to help with the renovation costs.  The Tower is currently closed but is set to reopen in the new year.  

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Six community projects in Sandwich have been successful in securing funding from the Green Initiatives Grant Programme, which forms part of The Open Legacy Fund provided by The R&A.

The Green Initiatives Grant Programme was launched by The R&A, DDC, KCC and Sandwich Town Council to enable community groups and organisations in Sandwich to apply for funding to benefit the town and its residents.

The organisations selected to receive the funding are Age Concern Sandwich Centre for the Retired, White Mill Rural Heritage Centre, Sandwich Bay Bird Observatory Trust, St Clement's PCC, Sir Roger Manwood's School and East Kent Mencap.

• Green Initiatives Grant Programme

White Cliffs Country celebrated international acclaim after Kent’s Heritage Coast was placed 4th on a list of the world’s best regions to visit in 2022.

Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2022 unveiled its top 10 countries, cities, and regions to visit next year. Kent’s Heritage Coast is the only UK destination to feature within this year’s round-up.

Kent’s Heritage Coast includes gems like Samphire Hoe and St Margaret’s Bay. Part of the Kent Downs AONB, the region was praised for its commitment to sustainable tourism initiatives, with the regeneration of the historic town of Dover also recognised.

DDC also showcased White Cliffs Country on a global stage at the World Travel Market in London in November.

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Key works costing at least £125,000 to help boost sea defences and continue to protect the area for the future, have been given the go ahead for St Margaret’s Bay.

DDC is to use funding from the Environment Agency on refurbishments to the sea defences at the popular local beauty spot in the district. The work will focus on repairing the 12 timber groynes at the location.

St Margaret’s Bay consists of 550m of enclosed shingle beach at the foot of the chalk white cliffs.  The area is part of the amazing Kent’s Heritage Coast.  Works are expected to start early in the new year.

• Major boost for sea defences

We continue to work hard to support local communities - including allocating £120k to 101 community projects in the latest round of our Community Grants Scheme. 

We've also launched an employment support hub to help long-term unemployed and those facing barriers to work, and we've welcomed the opening of the district's eighth new community store, to provide equipment to help residents in their local community.

We continue to support local business with a range of business grants. We’ve approved 53 business grants so far totalling over £250k. Remember to shop local.

• More on grants and funding