Policy information sourced from Tonbridge and Malling Core Strategy

CP19 Exception Site Policy

Development to meet a specific identified local need for rural affordable housing may exceptionally be proposed in the LDF or otherwise permitted in situations where there would normally be a presumption against development. Such development will only be proposed or permitted where all of the following requirements are met:

  • the Council is satisfied that there is a genuine local need for affordable housing within the Parish or, where appropriate, in adjacent Parishes as defined by the categories of need set out below and verified by means of a comprehensive local appraisal;
  • the identified local need arises within an area remote from any major urban area and cannot be met by any other means;
  • the proposal is of a size and type suitable to meet the identified local need and will be available at an appropriate affordable cost commensurate with the results of the appraisal;
  • the proposed site is considered suitable for such purposes by virtue of its relationship in scale and siting to an existing village and its services, its proximity to public transport, and the absence of overriding countryside, conservation, environmental, or highway impact; and
  • the initial and subsequent occupancy is controlled through planning conditions and agreements as appropriate to ensure that the accommodation remains available in perpetuity to meet the purposes for which it was permitted.

For more information please see the Core Strategy