Medway Local Plan (Regulation 18, 2024)

TMBC welcomes MC’s in-principle commitment at this stage to seek to make provision for Medway’s development needs over the plan period. TMBC supports MC’s preferred strategy of SGO 3 (Blended Strategy) to meet the development needs, due it’s ‘brownfield first’ approach whilst providing a range of housing choice.

TMBC would also welcome clarity on the precise potential quantum of growth that would be delivered through SGO 3, as well as information on potential yields of sites identified in the Policies Map. This would enable detailed consideration of potential cross-boundary issues such as, for example, the impacts of growth on the local highway network and the consequential impacts on local communities.

We note that para 6.10.7 identifies a need for 31 pitches for gypsy and travellers and three plots for Travelling Showpeople, and Policy T10 sets out the approach to meeting this need through protection of and expansion of existing sites and permitting new sites subject to meeting the criteria set out in the policy. TMBC seek clarification on whether this approach will yield sufficient pitches and plots to meet the identified need.

We note that the employment needs over the plan period have yet to be established. Policy S10 identifies that this will be determined by the latest employment needs assessment when published. TMBC would welcome clarity on when the employment needs will be known, and questions how a commitment to meet development needs can be made at this stage when the full need is yet to be established.

TMBC note that Medway Council (MC) is planning for an identified housing need for 1,658 homes a year, over the plan period to 2041 using the previous government’s standard method. Clarification is sought of the base date of the plan, and the net need over the plan period taking into account all sources of supply.

TMBC note that this consultation commenced prior to the proposed revision of the standard method for calculating housing need as set out in the Government’s consultation National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). Clarification is sough from MC on the potential impact on revised housing numbers and programme timeframes that may result from the publication of a revised NPPF later this year and the proposed transitional arrangements put forward as part of the NPPF and planning reform consultation.

The TMBC response to the previous Regulation 18 consultation in Autumn 2023 noted a request to Medway Council from Gravesham Borough Council, to consider if there is capacity to provide up to an additional 2,000 homes to help meet Gravesham’s housing needs. TMBC would welcome clarity on whether this request remains and if it has been accommodated within this Regulation 18 Local Plan.