Medway is ranked in the 30% most deprived local authorities nationally in the 2019 Indices of Deprivation and the 93rd most deprived local authority of 317 in England, with fourteen neighbourhoods ranked in the 105 most deprived nationally. Paragraph 4.29 of the Medway Local Housing Need Assessment (LHNA) 2021 states there is an annual need for 621 new affordable homes a year which represents 37% of the overall housing need. There are also 20,651 families in Medway on the social housing waiting list, a jump of 215% from those on the same waiting list in 2005. It is clear that the impacts of not delivering the amount of affordable houses needed in the
authority will exasperate the current deprivation levels and affordability issues Medway faces. Evidence suggests that low-cost, decent quality housing, in a healthy job market could make a substantial contribution to increasing disposable income, preventing material deprivation and maintaining work incentives. It is therefore imperative that the Council allocate a significant quantum of sites in the emerging Local Plan, so that affordable housing need can be met.

Our site that we are submitting as part of these representations is adjacent to the built-up area of Strood and would form a logical extension in a highly sustainable location for future development. The Land North of Rede Court has the potential to deliver market and affordable dwellings, including much needed family housing that can be delivered within the first five years of the Plan period and contribute to the housing needs of the District. Any proposals on the site would emphasise healthy living, contribute play areas and open space on site and provide opportunities to access local amenities, schools and community facilities by foot and cycle, so car use is kept to a minimum.