Proposed Submission: Gravesham Local Plan Core Strategy

• supporting improvements in information technology, to increasecompetiveness and flexible working practices; and• supporting proposals that enable local residents to improve anddiversify their skills and qualifications.5.1.7 The jobs target is broadly based on a ratio of 1 FTE job per newdwelling over the plan period. Further detail on how this figure has beenderived is set out in the Economy, Employment and Skills Background Paper.It should be noted that the policy approach set out below focuses primarily onthe approach to B class employment uses whilst not disregarding theimportant contribution from other sectors such as retail and hotels. TheCouncil's approach towards meeting retail and commercial leisure, cultural,and tourism needs (which also have the potential to generate employment,along with other land uses) can be found in policies CS08 and CS09.5.1.8 The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) requires that the localplanning authority set out a clear economic vision and strategy for their areato encourage sustainable economic growth. Priority areas should be identifiedfor economic regeneration with sufficient sites available for local and inwardinvestment to match the strategy. Policies should also be flexible enough toaccommodate needs that have not been anticipated over the Plan period.5.1.9 The NPPF also states as a general principle that local planningauthorities should avoid the long term protection of sites allocated foremployment use where there is no reasonable prospect of a site being usedfor that purpose. In addition, it advises that planning applications for changesof use from commercial buildings (currently under the B use classes) toresidential use and any associated development should normally be approvedwhere there is an identified need for additional housing in that area, providedthat there are not strong economic reasons why such development would beinappropriate. The weak economy and the need to take a precautionaryprinciple to employment land release, e.g. new employment should beprovided before existing employment land is considered for release to otheruses, provide the strong economic reasons for the Council's approach in thispolicy.113