Proposed Submission: Gravesham Local Plan Core Strategy

appropriate density will be design-led and will have regard to the accessibilityof each site. Therefore appropriate densities will vary across the borough. Aminimum density of 40 dwellings per hectare will be sought in the urban area.Higher densities will be sought in the Gravesend Town Centre and EbbsfleetOpportunity Areas as they are transport hubs with good access to publictransport. Lower density housing may be more appropriate in the rural area.Density is measured by the number of dwellings per hectare.5.11.4 High density does not always mean high rise development, and highdensity schemes can provide good quality attractive housing, including familyprovision through a range of built forms.Policy CS15: Housing Density5.11.5 Sites will be developed at a variety of densities, depending ontheir location and accessibility to public transport. The form and densityof housing will vary across the larger sites, in response to accessibilityand other characteristics of each part of the site. Variations in densityacross a site should be used to develop different character areas.5.11.6 All new housing will be developed at a density that is consistentwith achieving good design and does not compromise the distinctivecharacter of the area in which it is situated. Subject to this overridingconsideration:• Within the urban area, new residential development will beexpected to achieve a minimum density of 40 dwellings perhectare. In suitable locations close to the transport hubs ofGravesend Town Centre and Ebbsfleet higher densities will beencouraged;• In the rural area, new residential development will be expected toachieve a minimum density of 30 dwellings per hectare.5.11.7 Development proposals that fail to make efficient use of land forhousing, having regard to the character and location of the area, may berefused planning permission.169