Have your say on the future of Thanet: council launches new Local Plan consultation

Thanet District Council is inviting residents, businesses and local communities to help shape the future of the district as work begins on a new Local Plan.

The public scoping consultation has now launched marking the early stage of preparing the document under new national planning rules. The Local Plan will guide how Thanet grows over the next 15 years, setting out key priorities for development while ensuring special local areas remain protected.

The council wants to hear from local people about what they think should be included in the plan, including its main vision, aims and outcomes. Views are also being gathered on how residents would like to be involved and consulted as the plan progresses.

Alongside shaping the main goals, people are invited to suggest potential development sites to meet housing or employment needs, as well as landmarks for a new list of local heritage assets.

Cllr Rick Everitt, Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Strategy, Planning and Climate Change, said: “Starting this new Local Plan is an important milestone for our district. This process allows us to address vital issues like delivering the housing we need, protecting our natural environment, and creating a truly thriving place, in line with our corporate priorities.

“We are keen to firmly establish long-term vision, aims, and objectives for Thanet. Doing this exercise now, ahead of Local Government Reorganisation, gives us the opportunity to clearly reflect the specific needs of Thanet within the plan. An up to date plan allows us to better protect the areas that we do not want to see developed. Our geography, demographic profile and economic status have a bearing on proposals for growth and development in the area.

“Public involvement is a key part of this, and we look forward to hearing from our residents and businesses to ensure the new plan reflects Thanet’s needs.”

Residents can get involved by attending advice drop-in sessions, or by contacting the council by email or phone with any questions. 

The drop-ins will be held on the following days:

• Friday 4 September, 9am – 4.30pm
• Wednesday 23 September, 1pm – 7pm
• Friday 2 October, 9am – 4.30pm

All three sessions will take place at the Thanet District Council offices in Cecil Street, Margate. You can call in at any time within the timeframes stated. People interested in attending are asked to confirm in advance wherever possible, by emailing local.plans@thanet.gov.uk Drop-ins will still be welcome on the day.

Comments should be submitted online using the consultation portal at https://thanetcouncilplan.inconsult.uk/TLP_SCOP/consultationHome If online completion is not possible, comments can be emailed to local.plans@thanet.gov.uk
or sent by post to Thanet District Council Strategic Planning Department, Cecil Square, Margate, Kent, CT9 1YW.

The consultation launched on Monday 24 August and closes at 5pm on Friday 9 October 2026.