Proposed Submission: Gravesham Local Plan Core Strategy

2.5.3 In addition to the need to provide additional homes, including thosesuitable for one person households and an ageing population identified underthe Population section above, there will be a need to provide a mix of housetypes as well as affordable housing.2.6 Transport2.6.1 As outlined earlier, Gravesham Borough has good road, rail and rivertransport links and Gravesend town centre is a hub for public transportprovision in the Borough. These transport links have received significantinvestment with resultant improvements. However, there are high levels ofout-commuting to work, particularly to Dartford and Central London. In termsof transport modes, over half of working residents travel to work by car. Thiscontributes to congestion, particularly in parts of the urban area and along theA2. Gravesend town centre also experiences congestion as a result of retailand business activities. Levels of congestion will increase as a result ofnatural growth in traffic and new development. Traffic levels contribute to poorair quality in some areas.2.6.2 The recent introduction of high speed rail services from Gravesend toLondon St Pancras and from Ebbsfleet to both London and the continentprovides the opportunity to improve these transport hubs to provide highquality interchange facilities between different types of transport.2.6.3 The River Thames is an important resource for passenger and freighttransport. The Town Pier has been refurbished and a pontoon has recentlybeen installed to allow access to visiting craft and the Gravesend-TilburyFerry. The wharves on the River Thames are important for the transport ofgoods by water. A number of these are deep water wharves which arepotentially important for the importation of minerals and the handling of othergoods.2.6.4 In view of these challenges and opportunities, there will be a need toensure that:20