Use of Local Lettings Plans – approach and priorities
Prioritisation criteria
The two priority criteria for inclusion in LLPs for new developments are:
- Local connection to the area immediate to the development giving additional priority
- An aim for 50% of lettings to be to economically active households.
Accessible homes (built to M4(2) with accessible bathroom or M4(3) building regulation requirements) will be prioritised for households with a need for an accessible home ahead of the criteria above.
LLPs will be required as part of planning conditions for all new developments which include 10 or more affordable housing units, to provide an opportunity to respond to any local priorities, issues or specific needs. There may be circumstances where an LLP is not appropriate, this will be agreed between the Planning case officer and Housing Strategy and Enabling Manager.
For the delivery of rented homes the LLP will apply to all new homes at first let. If no households meet the local connection element of the LLP then they will be allocated by reverting to the top of the housing register shortlist.
Any other LLP format or aims a Registered Provider (or other manager of the affordable housing provision) wishes to use or include will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Accessible homes and ground floor flats will be considered using the above prioritisation criteria and medical need for an accessible or ground floor home. Households with a medical need for an accessible or ground floor home who also meet prioritisation criteria A or B will be prioritised for these homes. Next priority will be to those with a medical need for an accessible or ground floor home, regardless of meeting criteria A or B.
Areas for local connection – ward groupings into sub areas
3.7 Areas for local connection priority are sub areas consisting of ward groupings as follows:
| Sub-area | Wards in area |
|---|---|
| Tonbridge | Trench, Higham, Vauxhall, Judd, Hildenborough, Cage Green and Angel |
| Rural East | East and West Peckham, Mereworth, Wateringbury, Bourne |
| Rural West | Pilgrims with Ightham, Borough Green and Platt |
| Malling and Kings Hill | East Malling, West Malling, Offham, Kings Hill |
| Medway Gap | Larkfield, Aylesford South and Ditton |
| Rural North | Walderslade, Aylesford North and North Downs |
| Snodland | Snodland West and Holoborough Lakes, Snodland East and Ham Hill |
The housing area in which the development is located will be used unless the scale of the development requires an alternative option to be considered. The relevant wards will be clearly stated in the LLP agreed with the Registered Provider.
Households in temporary accommodation (TA) will have their local connection considered based on their last settled accommodation before placement in TA, or through family. This is to ensure they are treated fairly, regardless of where they are placed in TA.
Economically active is defined by permanent paid employment or work-based training.
The second prioritisation criteria of 50% of homes to be let to economically active households is based on the permanent employment or work-based training of the lead and/or joint applicant.
Households not able to be economically active because they are not working age, are full time carers or due to a disability or impairment, will not have the economically active element of priority considered, i.e. they will be treated in a neutral way and not bypassed due to not working should they be next in line to be offered in line once the other criteria of this local lettings plan have been applied