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East Sussex
Select a section of the map below to reveal the Local Plan position, 5-year housing land supply and recent Housing Delivery Test (HDT) results for the East Sussex authorities.
Rother
Lewes
Hastings
B
E
H
L
R
In January 2022, an outline planning application was submitted to Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council by Trenport Property Holdings for 950 new homes – as well as other facilities including a primary school and sports pitches – in Eccles, near Aylesford. The proposals would more than double the size of the existing village in terms of housing and have stoked up a considerable degree of controversy since.
*Due to the outbreak of COVID-19 these provisional dates are subject to change.
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Glossary
A
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Glossary
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C
DA
DO
G
MA
ME
SE
SW
F&H
T
T&M
B
E
H
L
R
W
Wealden
W
Revised proposals were submitted in November 2022 and included further detail about the proposed school and updates to the mitigation strategy. Objections from local residents have continued - particularly concerns over traffic and pressure on local services and infrastructure. Nonetheless, the site (known as ‘the land at Eccles’) was included in list of sites in the draft Local Plan (Regulation 18) – consultation for which was undertaken between September and November 2022. The Council is currently considering responses to the consultation, and it remains to be seen if the site will be included in the final plan.
TW
Development drivers
Major proposed development in Aylesford, Tonbridge and Malling
Dover District Council’s Affordable Housing Strategy
Critical calendar dates
Comment piece
Brighton and Hove
Planning Appendix
This phase of Local Plan production takes place following the result of the Inspector(s) examination. Dependent on the outcome, this can involve adoption of the document through the Council’s democratic process; withdrawal of the document from examination (an acknowledgement that the document cannot be adopted); or legal challenge (either against the Inspector(s) judgement and/or the Council’s decision to adopt the document by an interested third party).
Post-Examination
More formally referred to as an Examination in Public (EiP), this phase of Local Plan production involves an examination undertaken by appointed Planning Inspector(s). The document is examined on its legal compliance and soundness, typically through a focus on various issues through hearing sessions and/or written exchanges with interested parties. It can often result in further rounds of consultation, including consideration of new/amended evidence and/or proposed modifications to the document’s content.
To pass the examination, an Inspector(s) is required to publish a ‘final report’ that concludes that the document (inclusive of any modifications) is both sound and legally compliant. The Inspector(s) can choose to recommend that the document is not adopted and/or that the document is withdrawn at any stage.
This is often a lengthy process that typically takes 8-24 months.
Examination
This phase of Local Plan production represents the chosen strategy, collection of policies and supporting evidence base that a Council considers is legally compliant and sound. The Council are required to undertake consultation on this final position (also known as a pre-submission draft), prior to the submission of the emerging Local Plan document for Examination.
Regulation 19
This phase of Local Plan production involves an exploration of the potential vision, objectives and policy options (including potential development sites) for the defined planned area – including the production and/or review of supporting evidence base documents. This phase can often take place over several consultation stages, including (but not required/limited) to:
• Early evidence gathering (such as questionnaires and internal evidence gathering) • Call for sites • Issues and options
• Preferred options • Draft policies
Regulation 18
Planning Appendix
This phase of Local Plan production takes place following the result of the Inspector(s) examination. Dependent on the outcome, this can involve adoption of the document through the Council’s democratic process; withdrawal of the document from examination (an acknowledgement that the document cannot be adopted); or legal challenge (either against the Inspector(s) judgement and/or the Council’s decision to adopt the document by an interested third party).
Post-Examination
More formally referred to as an Examination in Public (EiP), this phase of Local Plan production involves an examination undertaken by appointed Planning Inspector(s). The document is examined on its legal compliance and soundness, typically through a focus on various issues through hearing sessions and/or written exchanges with interested parties. It can often result in further rounds of consultation, including consideration of new/amended evidence and/or proposed modifications to the document’s content.
To pass the examination, an Inspector(s) is required to publish a ‘final report’ that concludes that the document (inclusive of any modifications) is both sound and legally compliant. The Inspector(s) can choose to recommend that the document is not adopted and/or that the document is withdrawn at any stage.
This is often a lengthy process that typically takes 8-24 months.
Examination
This phase of Local Plan production represents the chosen strategy, collection of policies and supporting evidence base that a Council considers is legally compliant and sound. The Council are required to undertake consultation on this final position (also known as a pre-submission draft), prior to the submission of the emerging Local Plan document for Examination.
Regulation 19
This phase of Local Plan production involves an exploration of the potential vision, objectives and policy options (including potential development sites) for the defined planned area – including the production and/or review of supporting evidence base documents. This phase can often take place over several consultation stages, including (but not required/limited) to:
• Early evidence gathering (such as questionnaires and internal evidence gathering) • Call for sites • Issues and options
• Preferred options • Draft policies
Regulation 18
The LPA has delivered significantly under their housing need. The presumption in favour of sustainable development at Paragraph 11 of the NPPF is automatically applied to any planning applications. They are also required to add the maximum 20% to need when calculating their 5YHLS to improve the prospect of achieving the planned supply (as per Paragraph 73c of the NPPF), publish an action plan.
0–44%
0–74%
Presumption
The LPA has delivered homes with a very notable shortage against need. They are required to add the maximum 20% to need when calculating their 5YHLS to improve the prospect of achieving the planned supply (as per Paragraph 73c of the NPPF), as well as an action plan.
45%–84%
75–85%
Buffer
The LPA has delivered close homes close to be their housing need, but with notable shortage against need. They are required to add the minimum 5% to need when calculating their 5YHLS to ensure choice and competition in the market for land, but are also required to publish an action plan detailing why under delivery has occurred and how the Council intend to address this.
85%–94%
85%–94%
Action Plan
The LPA has delivered homes very close to, equal to, or above their housing need. They are required to add the minimum 5% to need when calculating their 5YHLS to ensure choice and competition in the market for land (as per Paragraph 73a of the NPPF).
95% +
95% +
None
Action
Definition
2019 HDT
Threshold
2020 HDT
Threshold
The LPA has delivered significantly under their housing need. The presumption in favour of sustainable development at Paragraph 11 of the NPPF is automatically applied to any planning applications. They are also required to add the maximum 20% to need when calculating their 5YHLS to improve the prospect of achieving the planned supply (as per Paragraph 73c of the NPPF), publish an action plan.
0–44%
0–74%
Presumption
The LPA has delivered homes with a very notable shortage against need. They are required to add the maximum 20% to need when calculating their 5YHLS to improve the prospect of achieving the planned supply (as per Paragraph 73c of the NPPF), as well as an action plan.
45%–84%
75–85%
Buffer
The LPA has delivered close homes close to be their housing need, but with notable shortage against need. They are required to add the minimum 5% to need when calculating their 5YHLS to ensure choice and competition in the market for land, but are also required to publish an action plan detailing why under delivery has occurred and how the Council intend to address this.
85%–94%
85%–94%
Action Plan
The LPA has delivered homes very close to, equal to, or above their housing need. They are required to add the minimum 5% to need when calculating their 5YHLS to ensure choice and competition in the market for land (as per Paragraph 73a of the NPPF).
95% +
95% +
None
Action
Definition
2019 HDT
Threshold
2020 HDT
Threshold
Housing Delivery Test glossary
Housing Delivery Test glossary
You can keep up to date with Local Plan progression, 5YHLS position and call for sites opportunities through our
Live Local Plan Monitor
South Downs National Park
SD
Critical calendar dates
Development drivers
Local Authority insight
Carter Jonas continually monitors the planning and development landscape across local authorities to locate and manage opportunities. This quarterly news bulletin provides insight and analysis of the current development climate for clusters of local authorities within the home counties. This quarter we look at Kent and East Sussex.
10 minute read
March 2023
Home Counties & Housing Update
Kent and East Sussex
Kent
Please use the map below to reveal the Local Plan position, 5-year housing land supply and recent Housing Delivery Test (HDT) results for the Kent authorities.
You can keep up to date with Local Plan progression, 5YHLS position and call for sites opportunities through our
Live Local Plan Monitor
Folkstone & Hythe
F&H
Dover
DO
Dartford
DA
Canterbury
C
Ashford
A
Swale
SW
Sevenoaks
SE
Medway
ME
Maidstone
MA
Gravesham
G
T
T&M
TW
Thanet
Tonbridge & Malling
Tunbridge Wells
Sevenoaks
Local Plan position
Acro
SE
Sevenoaks
Authority
Reg 18
Stage
2025
Anticipated Adoption
Insight
Sevenoaks District Local Plan
Emerging
document
The plan is at an early stage. The Council undertook an informal consultation on the emerging Local Plan (Regulation 18) between November 2022 and January 2023, and is currently gathering evidence to prepare a draft Local Plan for further Regulation 18 consultation in
Autumn 2023.
Can demonstrate a 5YHLS?
Five Year Housing Land Supply (September 2021)
(2021-2026)
Where and
When?
70%
HDT Score (Action) 2020
62%
HDT Score (Action) 2021
5-Year Housing Supply
Insight
The latest confirmed position is 2.89 years (2021), and the council therefore cannot demonstrate a 5YHLS. Whilst speculative opportunities could therefore be explored, the Sevenoaks area is constrained by significant Green Belt coverage. A Strategic Housing & Economic Land Availability Assessment (SHELAA) has been undertaken to inform the emerging Local Plan, although there may be further opportunities to engage.
Dartford
Local Plan position
Acro
DA
Dartford
Authority
Reg 24
Stage
2023
Anticipated Adoption
Insight
Dartford Borough Local Plan
Emerging
document
The plan is at a very late stage. The Council submitted the emerging Local Plan for examination on 13th December 2021. Hearings were ongoing throughout 2022 and are continuing in 2023.
Can demonstrate a 5YHLS?
Dartford Five Year Deliverable Housing Land Supply 2021 (December 2021) (2021-2026)
Where and
When?
121%
HDT Score (Action) 2020
105%
HDT Score (Action) 2021
5-Year Housing Supply
Insight
The latest confirmed position is 6.03 years (2021), and the Council therefore can demonstrate a 5YHLS. The fairly extensive Green Belt coverage in the district will further limit speculative opportunities, along with the Council’s excellent housing delivery record.
Gravesham
Local Plan position
Acro
G
Gravesham
Authority
Reg 18
Stage
TBC
Anticipated Adoption
Insight
Local Plan Partial Review, Site Allocations and Development Management Policies
Emerging
document
A second Regulation 18 consultation on the Partial Review of the Local Plan Core Strategy, Site Allocations and Development Management Policies Document took place October-December 2020. This review has not progressed further since then and no further dates have been confirmed. The plan is therefore still at an early stage.
Can demonstrate a 5YHLS?
Five Year Housing Land Supply Statement
(January 2021)
(2020-2025)
Where and
When?
70%
HDT Score (Action) 2020
57%
HDT Score (Action) 2021
5-Year Housing Supply
Insight
The latest confirmed position is 3.27 years (2021), and the Council therefore cannot demonstrate a 5YHLS. However, the council has undertaken a call for sites for the partial review of its Local Plan. This, in tandem with the extensive Green Belt coverage within the district, will limit speculative opportunities.
Tonbridge and Malling
Local Plan position
Acro
T&M
Tonbridge and Malling
Authority
Reg 18
Stage
July 2025
Anticipated Adoption
Insight
Tonbridge and Malling Local Plan 2021 to 2039
Emerging
document
The plan is at a fairly early stage. The Council undertook Regulation 18 Consultation on a new Local Plan (and a Call for Sites) between September and October 2022. The Council currently continues to refresh its evidence base, which will continue until June 2023, with the intention of publishing a draft Local Plan for consultation (Regulation 19) to take place from August to October 2023.
Can demonstrate a 5YHLS?
Housing Land Supply Position as at 31 March 2022
(---) 2022-2027
Where and
When?
91%
HDT Score (Action) 2020
63%
HDT Score (Action) 2021
5-Year Housing Supply
Insight
The latest confirmed position is 3.22 years (2022), and the Council therefore cannot demonstrate a 5YHLS. Whilst speculative opportunities could be explored, the Tonbridge and Malling area is constrained by Green Belt coverage. The Council have already undertaken a Call for Sites for the emerging Local Plan although there may be further opportunities to engage.
Swale
Local Plan position
Acro
SW
Swale
Authority
Reg 18
Stage
February 2024
Anticipated Adoption
Insight
Swale Local Plan Review
2022-2038
Emerging
document
The plan is at a moderately advanced stage, although the draft Local Plan Review Consultation (Regulation 19), which was scheduled for October – December 2022 has still yet to take place as the Council consider the proposed revisions to
the NPPF.
Can demonstrate a 5YHLS?
Statement of Housing Land Supply (June 2022)
(2020/21
Where and
When?
89%
HDT Score (Action) 2020
78%
HDT Score (Action) 2021
5-Year Housing Supply
Insight
The latest confirmed position is 4.8 years (2022), and the Council therefore cannot demonstrate a 5YHLS. Speculative opportunities could therefore be explored and engagement with the Local Plan should be considered due to the delays.
Medway
Local Plan position
Acro
ME
Medway
Authority
Reg 18
Stage
Autumn 2025
Anticipated Adoption
Insight
Medway Local Plan
2019-2037
Emerging
document
The emerging Local Plan has been on pause since 2018 and is still at an early stage. An updated Local Development Scheme published in October 2022 confirms that a Development Alternatives Consultation (Regulation 18) is to take place in Summer/Autumn 2023.
Can demonstrate a 5YHLS?
Authority Monitoring Report 2020 (December 2020) (2020-2025)
Where and
When?
55%
HDT Score (Action) 2020
67%
HDT Score (Action) 2021
5-Year Housing Supply
Insight
The latest confirmed position is 3.23 years (2020), and the Council therefore cannot demonstrate a 5YHLS. Speculative opportunities could therefore be explored, especially given the Council’s a poor track record of delivery, although a call for sites has recently closed. This will inform a Strategic Land Availability Assessment (SLAA) which may strengthen the Council’s 5YHLS position
upon adoption.
Maidstone
Local Plan position
Acro
MA
Maidstone
Authority
Reg 24
Stage
2023
Anticipated Adoption
Insight
Maidstone Local Plan
Review
Emerging
document
The plan is at a very late stage. The Council submitted Local Plan Review for examination on 31st March 2022. Hearings were ongoing throughout 2022 and are continuing in 2023.
Can demonstrate a 5YHLS?
Housing Land Supply Statement (November 2022) 2022-2027
Where and
When?
146%
HDT Score (Action) 2020
170%
HDT Score (Action) 2021
5-Year Housing Supply
Insight
The latest confirmed position is 5.14 years (2022), and the Council therefore can demonstrate a 5YHLS. This, along with the Council’s excellent track record of housing delivery, is likely to severely limit speculative opportunities, although the Council accept site submissions anytime which may be considered as part of future Local Plan reviews.
Tunbridge Wells
Local Plan position
Acro
TW
Tunbridge Wells
Authority
Reg 24
Stage
2023
Anticipated Adoption
Insight
Tunbridge Wells Borough
Local Plan Review
Emerging
document
The plan is at a very late stage. The Council submitted Local Plan Review for examination on 1st November 2022. Hearings were ongoing throughout 2022 and are continuing in 2023. The expected adoption date for January 2023 has therefore been delayed.
.
Can demonstrate a 5YHLS?
Five Year Housing Land Supply Statement 2020/2021 (July 2021) (2021-2026)
Where and
When?
86%
HDT Score (Action) 2020
85%
HDT Score (Action) 2021
5-Year Housing Supply
Insight
The latest confirmed position is 4.66 years (2022), and the Council therefore cannot demonstrate a 5YHLS. The Plan is at a late stage, but speculative opportunities could be explored.
Ashford
Local Plan position
Acro
A
Ashford
Authority
N/A
Stage
N/A
Anticipated Adoption
Insight
No current Emerging
Local Plan
Emerging
document
The Ashford Local Plan to 2030 was adopted in February 2019. The Council has not yet confirmed a timescale for a review of the Local Plan but are legally required to review its policies and adopt a new plan by February 2024.
Can demonstrate a 5YHLS?
Five Year Housing Land Supply Update
(July 2021) (2021-2026)
Where and
When?
90%
HDT Score (Action) 2020
118%
HDT Score (Action) 2021
5-Year Housing Supply
Insight
The latest confirmed position is 4.54 years (2021), and the Council therefore cannot demonstrate a 5YHLS. Therefore speculative opportunities could be explored despite the Council having an up to date Local Plan.
Folkstone and Hythe
Local Plan position
Acro
F&H
Folkstone and Hythe
Authority
N/A
Stage
N/A
Anticipated Adoption
Insight
No current Emerging
Local Plan
Emerging
document
The Folkstone and Hythe Core Strategy Review was adopted in March 2022. The Council has not yet confirmed a timescale for a review of the Core Strategy Review but is legally required to review its policies and adopt a new plan by March 2027.
Can demonstrate a 5YHLS?
Authority Montioring Report 2021 (…) (2021-2026)
Where and
When?
91%
HDT Score (Action) 2020
85%
HDT Score (Action) 2021
5-Year Housing Supply
Insight
The latest confirmed position is 5.3 years (2022), and the Council therefore can demonstrate a 5YHLS. Speculative opportunities are therefore likely to be limited and the Council have an up to date
Local Plan.
Canterbury
Local Plan position
Acro
C
Canterbury
Authority
Reg 18
Stage
September 2024
Anticipated Adoption
Insight
Canterbury
Local Plan 2045
Emerging
document
The plan is at a fairly advanced stage. The Council recently undertook a draft Local Plan Consultation (Regulation 18) which closed in January 2023. Further work and preparation of the draft submission Local Plan is scheduled until September 2023. Consultation on the pre-submission Local Plan (Regulation 19) can then take place.
Can demonstrate a 5YHLS?
Authority Monitoring Report 2020 to 2021 addendum (January 2022) (2020-2025)
Where and
When?
87%
HDT Score (Action) 2020
65%
HDT Score (Action) 2021
5-Year Housing Supply
Insight
The latest confirmed position is 5.3 years (2022), and the Council therefore can demonstrate a 5YHLS. The Council have already undertaken a Strategic Land Availability Assessment (SLAA) for the emerging local plan, and therefore speculative opportunities are likely to be limited.
Thanet
Local Plan position
Acro
T
Thanet
Authority
Reg 18
Stage
2026
Anticipated Adoption
Insight
Thanet Local
Plan Review
Emerging
document
The Local Plan review is a partial update of the Local Plan adopted in July 2020. This is at an early stage; the Council undertook consultation (Regulation 18) on emerging evidence base between December 2021 and February 2022. The Council are now working up draft plan with consultation (Regulation 18) scheduled for September 2023.
Can demonstrate a 5YHLS?
Authority Monitoring Report 2020 (June 2021)
(2020-2025)
Where and
When?
54%
HDT Score (Action) 2020
78%
HDT Score (Action) 2021
5-Year Housing Supply
Insight
The latest confirmed position is over 5 years (2021), and the Council therefore can demonstrate a 5YHLS. Despite this, due to the Council’s poor track record of housing delivery, speculative opportunities should be considered, and the Local Plan Review should be monitored closely.
Dover
Local Plan position
Acro
DO
Dover
Authority
Reg 19
Stage
2024
Anticipated Adoption
Insight
Dover District Local Plan
2020-2040
Emerging
document
The plan is at advanced stage; the Council undertook consultation on the submission Local Plan (Regulation 19) between October and December 2022. The Council are now considering responses with the intention of submitting the Plan for examination in Q1/2 of 2023.
Can demonstrate a 5YHLS?
Five Year Housing Land Supply (September 2022)
(2022-2027)
Where and
When?
80%
HDT Score (Action) 2020
88%
HDT Score (Action) 2021
5-Year Housing Supply
Insight
The latest confirmed position is 6.03 years (2022), and the Council therefore can demonstrate a 5YHLS. The draft emerging Local Plan includes site allocations and will seek to maintain the 5YHLS, which reduces opportunities for speculative development.
Eastbourne
Hastings
Local Plan position
Acro
H
Hastings
Authority
Reg 18
Stage
Winter 2023/2024
Anticipated Adoption
Insight
Hastings Local Plan
2019-2039
Emerging
document
The plan is at a fairly early stage. The next stage of consultation will be on proposed submission plan (Regulation 19) which is expected to take place in early 2023.
Can demonstrate a 5YHLS?
Hastings Borough Council Local Plan Monitoring Report (LPMR) 2020-21 (Addendum) (March 2022)(2022-2027)
Where and
When?
55%
HDT Score (Action) 2020
42%
HDT Score (Action) 2021
5-Year Housing Supply
Insight
The latest confirmed position is 2.67 years (2022), and the Council therefore cannot demonstrate a 5YHLS. The Council also has a record of recent low housing delivery. However, the Council have published a Strategic Housing and Employment Land Availability Assessment (SHELAA) for their draft emerging local plan which will subsequently improve the Council’s 5 Year Housing Supply once adopted and may limit speculative opportunities in the area.
Rother
Local Plan position
Acro
R
Rother
Authority
Reg 18
Stage
Early 2024
Anticipated Adoption
Insight
Rother Local Plan
2019-2039
Emerging
document
The plan is still at early stage. The first stage of consultation (Regulation 18) had been expected to take place in Spring 2022, although was postponed due to the Council needing to undertake further work on its evidence based. This is now scheduled to take place after local elections, in June/July 2023.
Can demonstrate a 5YHLS?
Housing Land Supply Statement 2022-2027
(October 2022)
Where and
When?
65%
HDT Score (Action) 2020
57%
HDT Score (Action) 2021
5-Year Housing Supply
Insight
The latest confirmed position is 2.79 years (2022), and the Council therefore cannot demonstrate a 5YHLS. The Council also has a record of recent low housing delivery. Speculative opportunities could therefore be explored, and the Council are still accepting site submissions for its Housing and Economic Land Availability Assessment (HELAA) which will form part of the evidence base for its Local Plan Review (although sites submitted now may not be considered for the upcoming HELAA).
Wealden
Local Plan position
Acro
W
Wealden
Authority
Reg 18
Stage
Winter 2023
Anticipated Adoption
Insight
Wealden Local Plan
2018-2038
Emerging
document
The plan is still at an early stage. Early engagement consultation (Regulation 18) took place in September/October 2020. Consultation on the draft Local Plan (Regulation 18) was scheduled for Spring 2022, but this has not taken place, and further dates are yet to be confirmed.
Can demonstrate a 5YHLS?
Five Year Housing Land Supply Statement
(December 2022)
(2022-2027)
Where and
When?
83%
HDT Score (Action) 2020
82%
HDT Score (Action) 2021
5-Year Housing Supply
Insight
The latest confirmed position is 3.29 years (2022), and the Council therefore cannot demonstrate a 5YHLS. The Council also has a record of recent low housing delivery and speculative opportunities could therefore be explored. The Council undertook a Strategic Housing and Economic Land Availability Assessment (SHELAA) which closed in November 2021, although the findings of this are still yet to be published and site submissions are still being accepted.
Lewes
Local Plan position
Acro
L
Lewes
Authority
Reg 18
Stage
Winter 2023
Anticipated Adoption
Insight
Lewes District Local Plan
Part 1 Review
Emerging
document
The Lewes Local Plan Part 1 was adopted in 2016, while Part 2 was adopted in 2020. It is Part 1 which is under review, and this is still at an early stage. The ‘Issues and Options’ (Regulation 18) consultation for the Local Plan Review took place from July-September 2021. The ‘Preferred Options’ consultation (also Regulation 18) was scheduled for Autumn 2021, although this is still yet to have taken place, and the Council have yet to publish an updated timetable.
Can demonstrate a 5YHLS?
Housing Land Supply Position Statement
(April 2022)
(2022-2027)
Where and
When?
100%
HDT Score (Action) 2020
116%
HDT Score (Action) 2021
5-Year Housing Supply
Insight
The latest confirmed position is 2.73 years (2022), and the Council therefore cannot demonstrate a 5YHLS. The council’s good track record of housing delivery may limit speculative opportunities, however.
Eastbourne
Local Plan position
Acro
E
Eastbourne
Authority
Reg 18
Stage
November 2024
Anticipated Adoption
Insight
Eastbourne Local Plan
2018-2038
Emerging
document
The plan is at a fairly early stage; the Council undertook consultation (Regulation 18) on the ‘Growth Strategy’ between November 2022 and January 2023. The Council are now working up draft plan with consultation (Regulation 19) on this scheduled for November 2023.
Can demonstrate a 5YHLS?
Authority Monitoring
Report 2021/2022
(December 2022)
Where and
When?
29%
HDT Score (Action) 2020
32%
HDT Score (Action) 2021
5-Year Housing Supply
Insight
The latest confirmed position is 1.8 years (2022), and the Council therefore cannot demonstrate a 5YHLS. This, in tandem with the Council’s poor track record for housing delivery, could present opportunities for speculative development.
Brighton and Hove
Local Plan position
Acro
B
Brighton and Hove
Authority
N/A
Stage
N/A
Anticipated Adoption
Insight
No current emerging
Local Plan
Emerging
document
The Brighton and Hove City Plan Part 1 was adopted in March 2016 and Part 2 was adopted in October 2022. The Council has not yet confirmed a timescale for a review of the City Plan Review but is legally required to review its policies and adopt a new plan by October 2027.
Can demonstrate a 5YHLS?
SHLAA Update 2021
(March 2022)
(2021-2026)
Where and
When?
108%
HDT Score (Action) 2020
136%
HDT Score (Action) 2020
5-Year Housing Supply
Insight
The latest confirmed position is 2.1 years (2021), and the Council therefore cannot demonstrate a 5YHLS. The Council’s good recent record of delivering housing, however, may reduce speculative development opportunities in the area. the Council runs an annual Brownfield Land Register which closes on 25th November 2023 and presents an opportunity to submit brownfield sites.
South Downs National Park
Local Plan position
Acro
B
South Downs National Park
Authority
Reg 18
Stage
TBC
Anticipated Adoption
Insight
South Downs National Park
Local Plan Review
Emerging
document
The Local Plan Review is at a very early stage; the Authority are working towards a draft Plan which is anticipated to be published for consultation (Regulation 18) in Autumn 2023. Further dates are to be confirmed.
Can demonstrate a 5YHLS?
Authority Monitoring Report 2021/2022 (December 2022)
(2021-2026)
Where and
When?
-
HDT Score (Action) 2020
-
HDT Score (Action) 2021
5-Year Housing Supply
Insight
The latest confirmed position is 5.61 years (2022), and the Authority therefore can demonstrate a 5YHLS. This, in tandem with the South Downs’ designation as an AONB, will severely limit opportunities for speculative development.
The inclusion of a large site such as this will – if the plan is adopted – go some way to demonstrating a 5 Year Housing Land Supply (5YHLS), which is currently just 3.22 years. Adoption of the new plan is not scheduled until July 2025 however and approving the application would have more immediate benefits in improving the 5YHLS position. This may force the Council’s hand on the decision, especially given that the site is not constrained by Green Belt or AONB, unlike much of Tonbridge
and Malling.
Dover District Council has launched a district-wide housing needs survey for local residents, open until 18th April 2023, with the aim of understanding requirements for new affordable housing in the district. The survey results will be analysed to decipher optimum level and mix of affordable housing for the next few years and inform a new Affordable Housing Strategy.
It is unknown as to whether the Strategy will form part of the Council’s emerging Local Plan, which is to be submitted for examination in the coming months. This illustrates a proactive approach to planning for affordable housing provision from a Council (seeking to ensure that delivery targets specific locations and groups).
Inspector raises concern over 7,000-home garden villages in
Maidstone Local Plan Review
The Maidstone Local Plan Review was submitted for examination on 31st March 2022 with various Stage 1 hearings over the last year. The submission plan included a 5,000-home garden village at Lenham Heathlands, and a 2,000-home garden village at Lidsing; the Inspector voiced concerns over both, particularly relating to their impact on the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).
The Inspector has recommended that additional work – on landscaping mitigation measures to minimise the impact upon the AONB – be undertaken to strengthen the policies that relate to these site allocations. The further research and revised draft policies will need to be submitted by the Council before Stage 2 hearings, which are scheduled for May
and June 2023.
Brighton and Hove Housing Land Supply
Brighton and Hove City Council continue to be unable to demonstrate a 5YHLS, which remains at just 2.1 years. This position has not updated upon the recent adoption of the Brighton and Hove City Plan Part 2. It is noted that Brighton is heavily constrained by its coastline and proximity to the South Downs AONB, and thus is focusing on the delivery of brownfield sites (the Council is updating its Brownfield Land Register).
The current position of the Council increases the risk of speculative development on unallocated sites. However, the proposed changes to the housing land supply requirements in the forthcoming Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill, will be positively received by Councils which are spatially constrained by ‘Footnote 7’ policies such as Brighton. They will be under less pressure to deliver housing to meet a target as a result, but no less of an actual requirement for housing to meet the social, economic and environmental requirements of the local population. If the 5YHLS is removed, or otherwise amended, other mechanisms will likely be required to increase housing delivery, particularly as Brighton and Hove is one of the 20 largest Cities and Urban Centres in England where the
35% uplift applies.
Further information about the implications of the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill can be found in this article
EMAIL DAVID
07866 794560
Partner, Planning
David Churchill
EMAIL FRANCIS
07787 282092
Partner, Strategic Land
Francis Truss
EMAIL Ralph
07585 902782
Graduate Planner
Ralph Elliott
EMAIL KATY
07968 562702
London
Katy Davis
EMAIL SARAH
07920 822527
North
Sarah Cox
EMAIL STEVEN
07970 796762
South and South West
Steven Sensecall
EMAIL COLIN
07771 924426
East
Colin Brown
Contact the key contributors to this research:
EMAIL robert
07771 898954
National Strategic Land
Robert Smith
EMAIL johnny
07557 428136
National Masterplanning
Johnny Clayton
Our national service specialists:
Our regional planning experts work out of five hubs, providing a truly national service for their clients:
this article
Broxbourne
B
Ashford
A
Canterbury
C
Canterbury
C
Dover
DO
Folkstone & Hythe
F&H
Gravesham
G
Maidstone
MA
Medway
ME
Sevenoaks
SE
Swale
SW
Thanet
T
Tonbridge & Malling
T&M
Ashford
A
Brighton & Hove
B
Eastbourne
E
Hastings
H
Lewes
L
Rother
R
South Downs
National Park
SD
The ‘Levelling-Up and Regeneration Bill: reforms to national planning policy’ consultation contains proposed changes to the Housing Delivery Test. It remains our intention to publish the 2022 Housing Delivery Test results. However, given our proposed changes and consultation on the working of the Housing Delivery Test – including the deletion of the consequence that requires a 20% buffer to be applied to the 5-Year Housing Land Supply – we would like to receive views on whether or how the Test’s consequences should apply, while work continues on our proposals to improve it. We will take a decision on the approach to the Housing Delivery Test and the implementation of any of the proposed changes in due course, once we have analysed consultation responses.
*Due to the outbreak of COVID-19 these provisional dates are subject to change.
Other Key Consultations / Events
EMAIL DAVID
07866 794560
Partner, Planning
David Churchill
EMAIL FRANCIS
07787 282092
Partner, Strategic Land
Francis Truss
EMAIL KATY
07968 562702
London
Katy Davis
EMAIL SARAH
07920 822527
North
Sarah Cox
EMAIL STEVEN
07970 796762
South and South West
Steven Sensecall
EMAIL COLIN
07771 924426
East
Colin Brown
Contact the key contributors to this research:
EMAIL robert
07771 898954
National Strategic Land
Robert Smith
EMAIL johnny
07557 428136
National Masterplanning
Johnny Clayton
Our national service specialists:
Our regional planning experts work out of five hubs, providing a truly national service for their clients:
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EMAIL Ralph
07585 902782
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