The consultation document refers to the Government’s standard methodology for housing need formula which identifies a need for 1,667 homes a year in Medway, or around 28,500 homes over the plan period to 2040. The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) requires the use of the standard method for calculating housing needs and Planning Practise Guidance (PPG) requires use of the Office of National Statistics (ONS) Household Growth Projection data from 2014. The government made it clear in its recent consultation on proposed changes to the NPPF that it will not be amending the standard methodology to utilise 2018 data. Medway should therefore continue to base its housing need calculations using the established methodology, until such time as any updated or amended methodology is published by the government.

CCE support the recognition in the consultation document that there is a housing crisis, particularly regarding affordability and there is an absolute need to provide the right homes in the right places to meet Medway’s growing needs. CCE support paragraph 5.11 and 5.12 of the document which align with the NPPF and recognise the need to (a) consider if there is capacity to provide homes to help meet Gravesham’s unmet needs and (b) adding a buffer to supply, equating to a need to plan for 29,000 homes over the plan period.

Planning to meet full housing needs will also provide growth benefits for existing communities in Medway. This is acknowledged within NPPF paragraph 79 which states that to support sustainable development in rural areas, housing should be located where it will enhance or maintain the vitality of rural communities. Planning policies should identify opportunities for villages to grow and thrive, especially where this will support local services.