The Dorking Town Area Action Plan

Introduction

1. The Dorking Town Area Action Plan (AAP) sets out planning policies specific to the central area of Dorking and allocates sites for redevelopment. The proposals map shows the extent of the area covered by the AAP and the precise policy boundaries where they exist.

2. The policies within the AAP complement, and should be read alongside:

• The Mole Valley Core Strategy (2009).
• The saved policies of the Mole Valley Local Plan (2000).
• Relevant national planning policies.

3. An accompanying document (Dorking Town Area Action Plan: Supporting Document 2012) sets out the background to, and evidence for, the approach taken to the allocations and policies contained within this plan.

4. The plan will cover a 10 year period from 2012 - 2022 and should be taken into account by anyone preparing, or responding to, a planning application relating to the development or use of land within the boundary of the AAP.

What is the Vision for Dorking? 'A vibrant, economically healthy and attractive historic market town centre set in the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty which provides a range of facilities and services for living, working and recreation appropriate to its scale to meet the needs of its residents, surrounding rural communities and visitors.' Source: Mole Valley Core Strategy 2009

Delivering the Vision The Council's strategy for delivering this vision includes a range of measures. They are set out in boxed text throughout this AAP under the heading 'Delivering the Vision'. They were established through the Mole Valley Core Strategy and adopted in 2009.

Policy DT (Policy Number) Policies and development proposals are set out in boxed text such as this, throughout the AAP.

Background

5. Dorking is the largest town in Mole Valley and has a wealth of character. The appearance of its town centre is attractive with a good range of shops, including a high proportion of independent and specialist traders and a good range of cafés, restaurants, leisure facilities and open space. There are many attractive historic buildings and the town itself is set in a landscape designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

6. There are however, a range of issues facing the town which includes the:

• Need for larger retail units to improve the retail offer.
• Retention of a diversity of shops, particularly the specialist shops.
• Loss of shoppers to surrounding town centres, particularly as a result of the limited supermarket offer.
• Need to ensure St. Martin's Walk is attractive to occupants and shoppers.
• Need to improve the general environment of the town.
• The scope to provide more housing
• Impact of traffic.

7. To address these issues the Council has prepared this plan for the town. It provides a comprehensive set of proposals to improve the town for its residents, businesses, visitors and those surrounding rural communities who look to the town for services and facilities.

The National Planning Policy Framework

8. The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) sets out the Government’s planning policies for England and how these are expected to be applied. It provides a framework within which local people and their Councils can produce their own distinctive local and neighbourhood plans, which reflect the needs and priorities of their communities.

9. At the heart of the NPPF is a presumption in favour of sustainable development. The Government wishes to see this emphasised in the Local Plans of Councils through the inclusion of the following policy.

10. Proposals for new buildings and the change of use of land in the area covered by this Plan should contribute to the delivery of sustainable development. This means that development should support the local economy, provide social benefits and protect and enhance the natural and built environment. In order to achieve this, the Council will take a positive approach and apply the presumption in favour of sustainable development contained in the NPPF set out in Policy DT1.

Policy DT 1 Presumption in favour of Sustainable Development The District Council will work proactively with applicants to find solutions which mean that proposals can be approved wherever possible, and to secure development that improves the economic, social and environmental conditions in the area. Planning applications that accord with the policies in this Area Action Plan and other Local Plan documents will be approved without delay, unless material considerations indicate otherwise. Where there are no policies in the Area Action Plan or other Local Plan documents relevant to the application or relevant policies are out of date at the time of making the decision, then planning permission will be granted unless material considerations indicate otherwise taking into account whether: Any adverse impact of granting permission would significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits, when assessed against the policies in the National Planning Policy Framework taken as a whole; or Specific policies in the National Planning Policy Framework indicate that development should be restricted.

Ensuring Dorking is an Attractive Town

Delivering the Vision The District Council will ensure that new development recognises and builds on the high quality townscape and character of Dorking and contributes to conserving and developing the town's sense of place. The District Council has developed a strategy to enhance the Dorking Conservation Area.

11. Much of the town centre is designated a conservation area. The High Street, South Street and West Street include many historic buildings often with original or traditional shop fronts and architectural detailing. Changes in levels are a feature of the town and create attractive views within and out of the town centre. There is a good mix of building types, from grander buildings fronting the main streets, to historic industrial buildings and workshops in 'backland' locations. Building materials are very varied.

12. Small alleys, footpaths and narrow streets lead from the main shopping streets, to quiet, intimate areas beyond. There are excellent views from many vantage points towards the North Downs, including Ranmore Common and Box Hill and of the church spire from within the town. The architectural style of the buildings beyond the main shopping streets is varied, but generally formed of cottages and small terraced and semi-detached houses, with occasional more imposing buildings.

13. Within the heart of the town, greenery is more limited but there are significant areas of open space dotted throughout, such as the Cotmandene, Rose Hill and Meadowbank. A number of industrial areas are located within the boundary of the AAP. These are varied in character and provide a mix of units in terms of size, age, quality and use.

14. A Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plan was completed in 2009 and will be implemented as resources allow. An assessment of the character of the entire built-up area of Dorking was completed in 2010.

15. In order to ensure that new development recognises and builds on the high quality townscape and character of the town, applications for development within the boundary of the AAP will be determined in accordance with:

• Core Strategy Policy CS14 (Townscape, Urban Design and the Historic Environment) supplemented by the Dorking, North Holmwood and Pixham Built-up Areas Character Appraisal SPD (2010) and the Dorking Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plan (2009).
• National legislation and guidance (in particular in relation to areas and sites of historic or architectural importance).
• Mole Valley Shopfront Design Guide (SPD) (1999).
• Relevant saved policies of the Mole Valley Local Plan (2000) (until such time as they are reviewed and superseded by a new Local Plan).

16. These existing policies and guidance are considered to provide sufficient explanation of the Council's expectations for the design of new development in the area covered by the AAP. ¹

Shopping

Delivering the Vision The District Council will work with retailers, developers and community organisations: To improve the town's retail attraction by encouraging an increased range of the type and size of shops and other town centre facilities. To ensure the amount of retail floorspace is maintained at a level which sustains the town centre's core shopping raison d`etre. To encourage the redevelopment of some existing shop units to provide larger modern units, particularly for comparison shopping.

Primary Shopping Area

17. It is a requirement of national planning guidance to identify the boundaries of primary shopping areas and town centres and establish policies about the type of development that will or will not be acceptable within them.

18. Primary shopping frontages are those which contain a high proportion of retail uses, while secondary frontages are those which provide greater opportunities for a diversity of uses.

19. The primary shopping area for Dorking comprises the premises identified as having primary and secondary frontages and includes land to the rear of St. Martin's Walk (see Policy DT 4 'New Shopping Provision in Dorking'). It defines the town's core shopping area and is the area containing the town's highest concentration of shops (Class A1). In order to support the town's vitality and viability it is important that this type of use remains in this area. Proposals to change the use of retail floorspace above ground floor premises in the primary shopping area will be considered on their merits having regard to the overarching strategy of maintaining the town's vitality and viability.

Town Centre Boundary

20 The town centre boundary is a defined area that includes the primary shopping area and areas of predominantly leisure, business and other main town centre uses within or adjacent to the primary shopping area.

21 The boundaries of the primary shopping area and the town centre are defined on the Proposals Map and illustrated on Map 1 .

Policy DT 2 Dorking Town Centre Boundary Development that would support the vision and strategy for Dorking town centre (as established in the Core Strategy Policy CS6 and through this Area Action Plan) will be directed to sites within the town centre boundary as defined on the Proposals Map.

22 The Council wishes to see new retail development provided in the primary shopping area (see Policy DT 4 'New Shopping Provision in Dorking') and other town centre related uses directed to sites within the defined town centre. Development within the defined town centre boundary which would support its vitality and viability will be supported.

23 To ensure that changes to the type and amount of retail floorspace are managed in a way that sustains the town's characteristics, planning policies are set out below that manage the changes of use of retail premises in the town.

Policy DT 3 Dorking Primary and Secondary Shopping Frontages Primary Shopping Frontage The loss of any retail floorspace (Class A1) will not be permitted within the primary shopping frontage of Dorking which is defined on the Proposals Map as follows: 1 - 217 High Street (north side) 2 - 136 High Street (south side) 1 - 19 South Street (east side) 2 - 60 South Street (west side) 38 - 68 West Street (north side) 1a -21 West Street (south side) 1 - 6 and 21 - 25 St. Martin's Walk 1 - 7 Old Kings Head Court Secondary Shopping Frontage Within the secondary shopping frontage of Dorking town centre, proposals involving the change of use of a shop (Class A1) to a use for financial and professional services (Class A2) and/or food and drink including takeaways (Class A3, A4 and A5) will be permitted provided that: a) the proposal would not lead to the over concentration of non (Class A1) retail uses; b) the proposal will preserve and enhance the vitality and viability of the primary shopping area; and, c) it would not result in significant problems of neighbourliness. The secondary shopping frontage is defined on the Proposal Map as follows: 138 - 350 High Street (south side) 225 - 311 High Street (north side) 62 - 138 South Street (west side) 21 - 55 South Street (east side) 7 - 21a St. Martin's Walk The change of use of premises for financial and professional services (Class A2) to food and drink (Class A3, A4 & A5) within either the Primary or Secondary Shopping Frontages may be acceptable provided that no significant problems with neighbourliness or parking would result.

New Shopping Provision in Dorking

Delivering the Vision The District Council will seek to increase retail floorspace for convenience goods which is in keeping with the scale, character and appearance of the town. The District Council will work with retailers, developers and community organisations to promote further the town's markets.

24 One of the key aims of the AAP is to identify how an increase in convenience goods floorspace could be accommodated in the town. In June 2011 planning permission was granted to Waitrose to build a new store on their site at South Street/Junction Road which would result in a net increase of 1,356 sqm of retail floorspace of which up to 330sqm would be used for the sale of non-food comparison goods. In May 2012 the Council granted planning permission for a new Lidl store of 1,286 sqm net floorspace. There is expenditure capacity for more convenience goods floorspace in addition to that provided by these two schemes. Therefore, a site to the rear of St. Martin's Walk is being allocated for the development of a supermarket.

Policy DT 4 New Shopping Provision in Dorking The Primary Shopping Area New retail development will be directed to the Primary Shopping Area as defined on the Proposal Map. Development of land to the rear of St. Martin's Walk The land to the rear of St. Martin's Walk, which could include the Youth Centre, the Church Gardens flats and existing car park is proposed to be developed for a new supermarket. This is subject to the following criteria being satisfactorily met: Access via Mill Lane and improvements to its junction with the High Street to provide: improved safety for pedestrians crossing Mill Lane traffic management measures that ensure the volume of traffic generated by the development can be satisfactorily accommodated on the town's highway network. traffic management measures that integrate successfully with the Conservation Area and keep to a minimum any impact on the listed White Horse Hotel and granite cobbles. Re-provision of the housing that is on the site to other locations within Dorking, following consultation with occupants and property owners. Convenient and attractive access for pedestrians between the development and the High Street including through the use of environmental improvements to St. Martin's Walk and St. Martin's Churchyard. In the event that the existing Youth Centre in Mill Lane is required to enable the delivery of a new supermarket provision is made for a replacement which is at least equivalent to the Youth Centre in advance of any development at the rear of St. Martin's Walk to ensure that continuity of the youth service can be provided by the Surrey County Council. Creation of a public 'square' between the supermarket and the boundary of St. Martin's Churchyard. This will be designed to accommodate the market and other small scale public events. Ensure the setting and views of of St. Martin's Church are safeguarded from all aspects. Ensure views from the site and the surrounding vicinity to the wider landscape beyond are retained where possible. The amenities of Meadowbank recreation ground are not harmed and measures to enhance and introduce biodiversity within the site, providing green linkages between St. Martin's churchyard, the Pipp Brook and Meadowbank are incorporated within the scheme. Provision of an appropriate amount of parking is incorporated in the scheme that is convenient, accessible and available to not only the new store but also to St. Martins Walk shopping centre and the many other town centre users, including St. Martins Church. Suitable arrangements to ensure the car park can be accessed outside normal shopping hours will need to be provided. The store is of a design that ensures it is in keeping with the scale and character of the town.

25. Any other development proposals that come forward on this site or any part of it would have to fulfil criteria 1 - 10 of Policy DT 4 in so far as they are relevant to the scheme.

26. Early studies showed expenditure capacity for an additional 3,215sqm (net) convenience floorspace in the Plan area although the forecast sales densities of the proposed new Lidl store and other qualitative considerations indicate a higher level of convenience floorspace could be planned for. However, the precise amount of retail floorspace on this site and the split between convenience and comparison retail goods will emerge as detailed plans are progressed in accordance with the requirements of Policy DT 4 and in the light of progress in delivering the new Waitrose and Lidl stores.

27. The development of land to the rear of St. Martin's Walk may result in the reconfiguration and a small loss in the number of shop units to the rear of the existing St. Martin's Walk Shopping Centre. The aim will be to ensure that good linkages are provided from the new supermarket, through St. Martin's Walk and into the High Street as well as providing retail premises that better reflect commercial needs.

28. It should be noted that the junction of Mill Lane and the High Street may have to be controlled through the use of traffic lights, the impact of which must be kept to a minimum. The consequence of improvements to the Mill Lane junction for the safety of pedestrian movement and access to bus stops and taxis in the High Street must be taken into account and appropriate safety measures introduced if required.

29. Map 5 of the Dorking Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plan sets out some of the key features of the townscape, including important views. These documents should, alongside the AAP as a whole, be used in finalising any development proposal for the site. The development will also have to comply with the relevant policies of the Core Strategy and Mole Valley Local Plan.

30. The Council will have regard to the contribution that the provision of parking spaces in the scheme can make to the supply of long and short term parking in the town taking into account its Parking Strategy.

Comparison Shopping

31. Studies carried out in November 2011 show expenditure capacity for an additional 1,600 sqm of comparison goods retail floorspace by 2017 and 2,700 sqm by 2021. Although no opportunities have been identified for further suitable or deliverable comparison goods floorspace development within the boundary of the AAP, there are a small number of empty retail premises in the town and the new supermarkets are likely to contain a proportion of floorspace that will be used for the sale of comparison goods.

Other Development Opportunities

Delivering the Strategy Properties for redevelopment have been identified within the town through consultation with developers, landowners and the community, The District Council will encourage the provision of residential accommodation above shops and in new developments and will resist the loss of town centre dwellings.

32. The Council has identified a number of residential development opportunities in the town during the preparation of this AAP and in discussions with developers, landowners and the community and these are identified on the Proposals Map. The strategy for Dorking also seeks to encourage residential accommodation above shops and will resist the loss of town centre homes. This will be delivered through the continued use of policies within the current Mole Valley Local Plan or its subsequent replacement.

33. The following policies contain details of the requirements the Council will expect to be met on each individual site. These requirements are in addition to the relevant policies in this AAP, the Mole Valley Core Strategy and the Local Plan. They are not all repeated here, but some of the most important are:

• Contributions towards affordable housing (Core Strategy Policy CS4)
• The inclusion of a mix of house / flat sizes (Core Strategy Policy CS3)
• The need for good design and for developments to respond to often sensitive locations in the town (Core Strategy Policy CS14)
• Landscaping, biodiversity improvements and contributions to improving green infrastructure (Core Strategy policies CS16 and CS17)
• Financial contributions will be sought through either the existing Planning Infrastructure Contributions process or a forthcoming Community Infrastructure Levy (CS17)
• Sustainable construction, renewable energy and energy conservation requirements (Core Strategy policy CS19)

Policy DT 5 Former Police Station, Moores Road Land at the former Police Station, Moores Road will be developed for housing. It is anticipated the site could accommodate around 12 - 14 new homes with units ranging in size from two to four bedrooms although the precise number of dwellings will only become clear when detailed plans are drawn up. The site is expected to be developed in the next 5 years.

34. The Police moved from their premises in Moores Road to the Council Offices at Pippbrook in November 2011. The development may result in the demolition of the existing buildings on the site.

Policy DT 6 Former Adult Education Centre, Marlborough Hill The former Adult Education Centre will be retained and converted to flats. The land to the rear of the property will be developed for housing. It is anticipated the site could accommodate around 11 new homes in total although the precise number will only become clear when detailed plans are drawn up. The site could be developed in the next 5 years.

35. The former Adult Education Centre at the front of the site is a grand building and is identified within the Dorking Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plan as making a positive contribution to the area. It is therefore intended to retain the building and convert it to flats (approximately 6 in total). The land to the rear will be developed for housing (approximately 5 homes).

Policy DT 7 Vine Court, Chalkpit Lane. Land at Vine Court will be developed for housing subject to the following criteria being satisfactorily met: Users of the footpath abutting the site have a feeling of safety and security. Retention of the trees and hedges on the site which provide an attractive landscaped setting to the current office premises (in accordance with CS16 of the Core Strategy) It is anticipated the site could accommodate around 10 - 15 new homes with units ranging in size although the precise number will only become clear when detailed plans are drawn up. The site could be developed in the next 5 - 10 years. This will result in the demolition of the existing office building on the site.

Policy DT 8 Land at the rear of the White Horse Hotel Land to the rear of the White Horse Hotel will be developed for housing. It is anticipated the site could accommodate around 20 new homes with units ranging in size (including some flats) although the precise number will only become clear when detailed plans are drawn up. This will take the form of the conversion of the buildings at the rear of the site and the construction of a small number of new homes. The development could take place within five years Development of this site and resultant loss in hotel accommodation will only be allowed subject to clear evidence that the finance raised will facilitate the refurbishment of the remaining hotel.

36. The Council would support the provision of further hotel accommodation in the town should suitable locations be found and would normally resist any loss. However, in this case the Council would accept a reduction in the number of rooms at the White Horse Hotel if the owner undertakes to invest funds from the residential redevelopment of the accommodation at the rear of the site in to a refurbishment and upgrading of the remainder of the hotel which is a Listed Building. The Council will seek to ensure that there is an appropriate provision of car parking space within the site.

Policy DT 9 Federated House, Lincoln Road Land at Federated House will be developed for housing. It is anticipated the site could accommodate around 40 - 50 new homes with units ranging in size although the precise number will only become clear when detailed plans are drawn up. The site could be developed in the next five to ten years and would result in the demolition of the existing office building on the site. Access will remain via Lincoln Road.

37. The Highways Agency has indicated that it will vacate Federated House in the next five to ten years. The Council is keen to see the provision of disabled access to the Deepdene railway station and will investigate the scope for the redevelopment of the Federated House site to contribute to the achievement of this objective.

Policy DT 10 Reigate Road Area of Civic , Entertainment, Cultural, Recreational and Community Facilities. The Reigate Road area shown on the Proposals Map is identified for civic, entertainment, cultural, recreational and community purposes. Development of any part of the site for other uses will not normally be permitted, unless there is no reasonable prospect of that part of the site being used for the purposes specified in this policy.

38. The Magistrates Court has closed. Proposals for an alternative use of the site will be required to be accompanied by evidence that the facility is no longer required for the uses covered by the policy. This will require the building's owner to demonstrate that they have consulted with an appropriate range of service providers and the local community.

39. The Council intends to maintain an administrative headquarters on the Pippbrook campus. It is looking at how this can be best achieved having regard to the cost of maintaining two buildings on the site, the ability to continue the delivery of services in the future and the provisions of Policy DT10. The Council is planning to reach a conclusion on these issues by the end of 2012 after a fully costed review of the options for the future of the Pippbrook Offices and Pippbrook House.

40. If, in the light of the review, it is clearly demonstrated that it is not viable to maintain both buildings for uses specified in the policy, an alternative form of development may be acceptable to enable the retention and maintenance of Pippbrook House which is a Listed Building and the provision of an administrativeheadquarters for the Council on the site. Any such development would be required to accord with the strategy of the Area Action Plan, maintain the setting, architectural and historic integrity of Pippbrook House, retain the amount of land on the site currently in open space or recreational use and relate satisfactorily to adjacent land uses. Sufficient car parking should be provided within the policy area to meet the requirements of all the existing uses within it and any new development that may come forward in the light of this policy.

Travel

Delivering the Strategy The County Council is working with partners (including the District Council) to improve public transport, cycling and pedestrian access to the town centre from the outskirts and surrounding rural areas, reduce congestion and the impact of traffic in the town centre.

41. In order to work towards delivering this strategy:

• The traffic implications of all of the development proposals in the AAP have been modelled and it has been demonstrated that, individually and cumulatively, those contained in this plan do not have a significant adverse impact on the town's highway network.
• Junction Road, between the new entrance to Waitrose and South Street, will be made two-way as a result of the Waitrose development. The junction of South Street and Junction Road will be signalised.
• Improvements will be made to the junction of Mill Lane and the High Street as part of the development of land to the rear of St. Martin's Walk. It may be necessary to provide traffic lights to manage vehicle flows at this junction.
• All development are expected to contribute funds through the Planning Infrastructure Contribution or a subsequent Community Infrastructure Levy towards local transport / highways improvements and enhancements for pedestrians (see Environmental Enhancements below).
• The development of land to the rear of St. Martin's Walk will include measures to improve the environment for pedestrians, including safety works at the junction of Mill Lane and the High Street. Improvements will also be made to St. Martin's Walk.
• Provision for cyclists, such as cycle racks will be made within large developments and further racks are being put in through a project by Dorking Needs Action.

42. In addition to the above, work has continued on improving access to the town for cyclists from surrounding villages. Investigations into improving facilities for cyclists on the A24 south of Dorking to Beare Green are continuing and a route to and from Westcott will be the subject of a public inquiry in early 2012.

Local Economy

Delivering the Strategy The District Council will use its planning powers to ensure there are sufficient opportunities to provide jobs for the sustainable growth of the District's economy through the retention and intensification of accessible and well located industrial and commercial land.

43. The supply of industrial land and premises within the town is extremely limited and no opportunities have been identified within the boundary of the AAP to replace or expand the existing supply. It is recognised that there is some vacant floorspace in terms of the towns larger office buildings. It is however still important to the town's sustainable development to retain its existing supply of well located and accessible industrial and commercial land.

44. The Plan identifies three main areas of safeguarded industrial and commercial land. There are also a number of accessible and well located small industrial and commercial sites and premises that play an important role in maintaining the town's sustainable economic growth and providing jobs for local people. These small sites plus the main identified sites are safeguarded through the following policy.

Policy DT 11 Safeguarding Existing Industrial and Commercial Sites The loss of existing accessible and well located industrial and commercial land and premises (Classes B1, B2 and B8) to other uses will not be permitted, unless their retention for industrial and/or commercial use has been fully explored without success via marketing of the premises at a realistic level reflecting its current use and in terms of value/terms/conditions for at least twelve months. The larger accessible and well located industrial and commercial areas within the boundary of the Dorking Town Area Action Plan are as follows: Station Approach, Dorking Curtis Road/Station Road and Dorking Business Park, Dorking Vincent Lane, Dorking Smaller accessible and well located sites in industrial and commercial use will be safeguarded where they: Are located along parts of the highway where traffic can be suitably absorbed. Have good public transport links. Do not significantly harm the amenities of the surrounding area.

45. The extent of the identified safeguarded industrial and commercial sites is illustrated on the Proposals Map (see Dorking Inset).

46. In considering whether a premise has been marketed in accordance with the requirements of the policy, the Council will take independent valuation advice.

47. The following policy emphasises the importance of providing accommodation for small firms when considering redevelopment proposals for Curtis Road/Station Road and Vincent Lane. This supports the sustainable economic growth of the town and the findings of the Dorking Commercial and Industrial Land Review.

Policy DT 12 Redevelopment of sites for Industrial and Storage or Distribution Uses Curtis Road/Station Road (Not including Dorking Business Park) In considering proposals for redevelopment within this area the Council will give particular encouragement to the provision of accommodation suitable for light and general industrial uses, and storage and distribution uses. In relation to the Vincent Lane area the Council will also have particular regard to: 1. The need for improvements to the adjoining highway, including re-alignment of the road and better pedestrian linkages into the town centre. 2. The need, if any, for stabilising and ensuring the sandstone cliff to the rear of the site is safe. 3. The requirement to retain or rebuild the existing flint wall located adjacent to the highway. In order to retain a supply of premises suitable for small firms, the loss of any sites providing such accommodation on well located industrial and commercial land will not normally be permitted, unless evidence of marketing over a period of at least twelve months (having regard to the nature of the premises) demonstrates there is no need.

48. For the purpose of this policy, industrial use includes Class B1 (c) and Class B2 of the Use Class Order, and storage and distribution uses includes Class B8.

Infrastructure

Delivering the Strategy The District Council will work with infrastructure providers to ensure the adequate and timely provision of infrastructure, services and community facilities to accompany new development. Through its planning powers the District Council will seek to safeguard existing services and facilities.

49. An Infrastructure Delivery Plan has been written in support of this AAP. This plan has been prepared as a result of discussions with various infrastructure providers such as the County Council and utility companies. A number of key pieces of infrastructure have already been identified as being required in order to deliver the developments set out in this plan. This includes a new youth facility and changes to the road network to accommodate the proposed development at the rear of St. Martins Walk. There are also a number of items for which contributions by developers will be sought. Mole Valley District Council applies a 'tariff' to developments when permitted. The majority of the tariff receipt is used by the County Council, to help pay for infrastructure such as school places, highways, environmental improvements and other items on the infrastructure delivery plan.

50. Such is the generally small scale of most of the development proposals in the town that only limited amounts of new infrastructure are needed.

51. The District Council will continue to try to safeguard existing services and facilities, insofar as it can through its planning powers, through the use of existing policies within the Core Strategy, in particular CS17 (Infrastructure, Services and Community Facilities). A range of improvements to the appearance of the town are also being sought (see below).

Environmental Enhancements

Delivering the Vision The District Council will work with partners, particularly Surrey County Council and community organisations, to enhance the physical appearance of the town's public areas.

52 A range of projects have been identified that will help to improve the appearance of some parts of the town. These will be funded through individual developments or the existing Planning Infrastructure Contributions system (or any future Community Infrastructure Levy). They are:

• Redesigning the open space around the listed War Memorial in South Street - Some funding has already been obtained and Waitrose are making a contribution as a result of the permission recently granted for their store on the opposite side of the road.
• Improvements to the alley that leads from the High Street to St. Martin's Church and improvements to the Churchyard - This may form part of a wider enhancement of the area through the development that is proposed at the rear of St. Martin's Walk.
• Improvements to the footpaths along West Street - There is a small amount of funding available for improvements in West Street and the District Council and County Council are looking at how these limited resources could be best deployed. There are no specific development proposal that could fund wholesale improvements to the area.
• Land outside Halifax (215 - 217 High Street) - This land contains two large brick planters and limited seating. It is in private ownership but an adjoining business has agreed to maintain the planting. Longer term solutions, involving a redesign of the site, will require further funding.
• General issues relating to paving - The District and County Council will work together to improve areas of paving as and when funds become available. To ensure that this is not entirely piecemeal, improvements will be focused on the centre of the town in West Street and South Street and will progress outwards so that there is some feeling of continuity (unless developments in specific areas of the town dictate otherwise).
• Total Place Project - There are many small improvements that could be made to the appearance of the streets and public spaces in Dorking. These are being addressed through the Total PlaceProject which has brought together the District Council's role in improving the appearance of the town and the County Council's responsibilities for the roads and footways. Improvements being addressed through this initiative do not relate specifically to issues of planning policy nor do they require considerable sums of money as many are related to better ongoing maintenance and the removal of unnecessary clutter on the roads and pavements in the town.

Green Infrastructure

53.. Another element of infrastructure is green infrastructure. This is a generic term that includes, parks, recreation grounds, play areas and other areas of "green open space". The aim of the following policy is to supplement existing policies, highlighting areas and issues specific to the Plan area.

Policy DT 13 Green Infrastructure in Dorking Town The areas of green infrastructure identified within the boundary of the AAP will be safeguarded in accordance with Core Strategy Policies CS15 and CS16. The key role and characteristics of these sites have been established (and are set out in the supporting document to the AAP). Development proposals, particularly those which are large scale or adjoining an area of green infrastructure must seek to ensure, where possible, that neither the site nor its key role and characteristics are harmed. Where possible enhancements to the green infrastructure will be sought. New development within the AAP boundary should seek to contribute to the network of green infrastructure even if none exists in the locality. There will be a particular emphasis on improving the linkages between identified green infrastructure sites, improving biodiversity and improving the overall greening of the urban environment. Developments adjoining the Pipp Brook should be particularly sensitive to the environment of this area. Opportunities should be taken to enhance sections of the brook, increase its biodiversity and create an undeveloped buffer zone adjacent to the watercourse. No further encroachment of the brook will be permitted.

54. Areas of green infrastructure over 0.25ha in size, within the boundary of the AAP, are identified on the Proposals Map. In addition to these sites there are a range of other smaller sites which contribute to the green infrastructure of the town, alongside 'green corridors' such as footpaths and railway lines. They are difficult to map specifically and identify. Nevertheless they remain subject to the provisions of the above policy. If there is uncertainty over the value or otherwise of an area, any development should be considered against this policy and consideration of its function and role in the town explored.

55. The Pipp Brook flows across the area defined by the boundary of the AAP. Where development is proposed close to the Brook, opportunities will be taken to increase the town's green infrastructure by ensuring that buildings and hard standings are set back from the Brook to create undeveloped buffer zones. These zones will be expected to be a minimum of 8 metres measured from the top of the bank.

56. The St Martins churchyard is identified on the Proposals Map as an area of green infrastructure. Opportunities to enhance this area and/or the links to it, will be investigated as part of any redevelopment proposals for the land at the rear of St. Martins Walk.

Other Initiatives

Delivering the Vision The District Council, Dorking Town Management and other partners will work to increase the promotion of the town centre including its cultural facilities, enhancing the marketing strategy and improving the customer experience of the town.

57. The Council works closely with the Dorking Town Management Partnership. This group supports the Town Centre Management initiatives and monitors the key issues that deliver a strong, sustainable and successful town centre.

58. The Mission Statement is "To work together with private, public and voluntary sectors to improve the vibrancy, vitality and commercial viability of Dorking creating a town where shopping, visiting, living, working and relaxing are enjoyable experiences"

59 The objectives of the Dorking Town Management Partnership up until 2013 include:

• Marketing and Promotion - Develop a positive and unique image to promote Dorking to shoppers, visitors, businesses and investors. Including encouraging visitors to the town and promoting Dorking as a tourist destination.
• Events Management - Build on the town centre events and festivals providing positive media coverage. Also encourage retail and business participation and support for events leading to increased spend and raised awareness.
• Business Support, Training and Development - promote inward investment and provide support to businesses.
• Safety & Security - liaise with Surrey Police, local businesses, shopping centre management and Community Safety Officers to monitor and help reduce theft, vandalism, graffiti and anti social behaviour. Also continue to promote membership of the ShopSafe radio network scheme.
• Environment - Work with Conservation and Planning to support and encourage participation in the Dorking Town Area Action Plan and monitor and lobby for action on buildings in a state of disrepair. Also ensure an excellent standard of cleanliness are maintained.
• Finance & Management - ensure funding for the town.

60. Each year an action plan is prepared that identifies how these objectives will be delivered. These objectives will be updated at the end of 2013.

Delivering the Vision In partnership with Surrey Police, the District Council will work to develop a sense of safety and security for users, during the day and night.

61. In 2011 the District Council worked with Surrey Police to prepare a Designing out Crime Supplementary Planning Document which was adopted in December 2011. Criteria have also been established in order to ensure that the Police are consulted on appropriate planning applications. Within the scope of what the planning system can achieve, this will assist in ensuring that Dorking continues to have a sense of safety.

Monitoring and Delivery

62. The Dorking Town AAP specifically identifies sites for retail and residential development and also addresses a range of highway issues, promotes environmental improvements and safeguards land for industrial and commercial purposes. Planning Policy Statement 12 (Local Spatial Planning) states that there must be clear arrangements for the monitoring of a Development Plan Document. This section sets out how the implementation of the policies in the AAP will be monitored.

63. The purpose and principles for the monitoring of the development plans within Mole Valley is set out in the adopted Core Strategy. This sets out a Monitoring Framework which can be applied to the monitoring of all the Council's development plans (see Core Strategy Section 7.5 Monitoring and Managing Delivery). It applies to the Dorking Town AAP and is not repeated here.

64. The monitoring requirements of each AAP section or policy is set out in the table below. In most cases it applies the monitoring of the Core Strategy to a more local context through the use of the existing Annual Monitoring Report Policy Delivery Indicators (PDIs). The table acknowledges where these will require further development to meet the need to monitor the more local context of the AAP. The table also indicates where new monitoring will be required.

Table 1: Monitoring and Delivery

Deleted or Replaced Policies

65. The following saved policies of the Mole Valley Local Plan (2000) will no longer apply to the area covered by the Dorking Town Area Action Plan upon its adoption.

66. Please note, other policies of the Local Plan have been replaced by those in the Core Strategy - a full list will be set out on the Council's website when this AAP is adopted.

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¹ Property owners should be aware that the Council has the power to take discontinuation action against an advert which normally has the benefit of deemed consent. An Article 4 Direction covers the Conservation Area and introduces additional planning controls over change of use or development in this area.

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