Proposed Submission: Gravesham Local Plan Core Strategy

housing is provided. The SHMA recommends that the conversion of familyhomes (taken to be homes with 2 or more bedrooms) into smaller units shouldbe restricted so that new families have more choice within the market and, bydoing so, will improve the flow of smaller homes onto the market that theyvacate.5.10.5 There will be a growth in the older population in the Borough over theplan period. This will be associated with an increase in the numbers of thosewho have difficulties completing household tasks and self-care activities.There will also be an increase in those with a limiting long term illness. As aresult, the SHMA recommends that the building of market housing particularlysuited to the needs of older households and other special needs groupsshould be encouraged. This includes meeting lifetime homes designstandards and requiring some housing to be built to wheelchair standard. Italso includes encouraging the provision of specialist and extra care housing. Itis important that housing to meet the needs of older people is provided inaccessible locations close to services. It could also help to meet the futurerequirement for family homes as a result of older households downsizing.5.10.6 As a result of the above, the Council's strategy is to plan for a mix ofhouse sizes and types that will be appropriate to the differing needs of thecommunity. It will protect existing family sized housing (2 and 3 bedroomhomes) to ensure that a sufficient number of larger units are maintained. TheCouncil will also seek to ensure that more homes are built which are designedto meet the longer term needs of older and disabled people as well as supportthe provision of specialist housing to meet such needs.5.10.7 The Council supports the provision of housing to meet therequirements of people in special need of help or supervision, whereconventional housing may not be suitable. It is important, nevertheless, thatthe concentration of residential institutional accommodation should becontrolled to ensure that the properties themselves are suitable, and that theintensification of use in residential areas will not change the character of thearea, nor involve a loss of amenity to residents because of the potential noiseand disturbance it could create (including the impacts from service traffic)outside normal working hours. The Site Allocations and Development167