We’re contacting all households to make sure that the electoral register is up to date.

When you receive your letter/email, just follow the instructions so we know you’re registered and ready to vote.

Your vote matters, don't lose it.

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DDC is moving into the next phase of its Local Plan review, with councillors set to consider the submission version of the document at Full Council in October.

The document will be published for a seven-week consultation, when public engagement events will be held both virtually and in-person at locations across the district. Following the consultation, the submission version will be sent to the Planning Inspectorate, with consultation responses and supporting documentation. The Inspectorate will carry out an independent examination in public of the plan.

The Local Plan sets out the vision and framework for future development in the district for the next 20 years to 2040. See the Local Plan website for updates and to sign up to be notified when the consultation commences.

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We continue to work to help households as the rising cost of living continues to affect local communities.   

DDC has welcomed news, and has been allocating funding, after receiving a grant of over £400k to continue to help households who need it the most, with the Government's Household Support Fund extension.   

With energy prices going higher and higher, a range of financial assistance has been announced by Government.  For information on a range of help available, including latest updates and advice on grant schemes, energy tips, and what to do if you're struggling with your energy bills, please see our Energy Advice pages.

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Work to transform the Guildhall Square in Sandwich to provide a welcoming space for everyone’s use and enjoyment, starts on 12 September.

The project includes highway improvements and resurfacing along with creating a new public realm with improved seating, tree planting and lighting. There’s also a drop-in session to offer Sandwich residents and local businesses the opportunity to discuss the project, from 10am to 12 noon on Thursday 8 September in the Guildhall.

The planned work has been part-funded by The R&A as part of The Open legacy, alongside additional investment from KCC, DDC, Sandwich Town Council, Prince’s Golf Club and Discovery Park. The plans were developed with the local community through a series of consultation events.

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A major revamp of Dover Market Square has been officially opened, creating a welcoming focal point at the heart of the town centre for residents and visitors. 

The grand opening was organised by the Dover Town Team and Destination Dover. 

The opening also saw the launch of a new artisan market showcasing local food and crafts, organised by White Cliffs Country in partnership with the Kent Farmers’ Market Association. The market runs in the Market Square,10am-3pm on the third Saturday of each month until the end of the year. 

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DDC is developing proposals for a new leisure centre in Deal and has recently engaged with local residents about what facilities could be included if the project goes ahead.  The existing sports hall and Indoor Tennis Centre would be retained.

A new leisure centre would need to be fit for the future with a range of facilities to meet local needs and built and operated in ways that address climate change. DDC has agreed to move to the next planning stage where the project team will undertake more detailed work on technical and financial viability, and develop and refine concept designs for a new leisure centre. The next planned phase of engagement work is due to take place in late September/early October.

To keep up with the project, please sign up to the proposed new Deal Leisure Centre topic on our Keep Me Posted email service.

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Community groups in the district are invited to apply for grants from £100 up to £4,000 from DDC's Community Grants Scheme.  

DDC launched the summer round of the scheme in May, and announced payments of over £121k to 70 groups across the district. 

The winter round has now been launched, and the deadline for applications is 26 September 2022.

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

Eight new flats designed to offer interim housing for local people who find themselves temporarily homeless have been completed at Elizabeth Carter Court in Deal. This forms part of an £8m project by DDC to build 48 affordable homes for interim housing.

A development of 26 affordable homes in Napchester Road in Dover is also nearing completion. These are a mix of one and two-bedroom flats along with two, three, and four-bedroom houses.  A five-bedroom house suitable for wheelchair users is also being built.

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We continue to work hard to help tackle climate change through a range of initiatives including our Green Energy Grants.

Sandwich Bay Bird Observatory Trust was given a welcome boost to support its work for the environment with a grant for £1,791. Aylesham and Snowdown Welfare Bowls Club also helped to light the way to a greener future, after receiving £858 to replace fluorescent fittings with LED lights.

DDC aims to become a net zero carbon emitter by 2030 at the latest and aspires for the district to be carbon neutral by 2050. 

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