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Location: Esparto Way, South Darenth, DARTFORD DA4 9LN
Built: 2008
Developer: Fairview
Type: rural
Density: 0 homes per hectare
Parking ratio: 150%
The redundant Horton Kirby Paper Mill was imaginatively redeveloped as mixed use community. Some of the industrial buildings were retained, including the iconic chimney, while new blocks were added.
A new section of river was opened up through the site.
Parking squares are the main form of provision, with the number of spaces having been estimated using census data and demand profiling. Most of the spaces are not allocated, allowing commercial use at times of lowest residential demand.
Although the streets are privately maintained, and parking is controlled to prevent abuse of the layout, the site is very permeable for pedestrians. With a local Co-op store at the heart of the development, and attractive walks alongside the new river course, there is evidence of leisure walking in and through the site.
The largest area of parking may be used for village events.
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Parking controls are needed to prevent people from parking awkwardly.
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Riverside paths and two bridges encourage walking.
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Quality materials have prevented large paved areas from being unsightly.
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The need for parking controls was identified at the planning stage, and included in the S106 Agreement.
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This is a genuine mixed use community.
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Space submitted by Bob White
25 February 2014