3.26 The Strategic Housing Market Assessment 2016 (SHMA) identified as a critical challenge tackling the impact of an ageing population, and forecast loss of younger age groups with the resultant potential loss of working age population.

3.27 Subsequent economic and population forecasts based on the economic aspirations and housing provisions in this Local Plan also predict for Thanet an increase in the ageing population (especially those above retirement age). However, they do also predict that there will be an increase in younger age groups.

3.28 Both the SHMA and the subsequent forecasts referred to above show that single person households are expected to increase in number. The SHMA notes however that there is a greater supply of smaller units than of family homes and houses, and that this demographic trend should not dictate policy. Indeed it notes that in aiming to deliver substantive regeneration and economic strategies the housing role in turning round economic performance is both to provide appropriate and attractive housing for higher earners and facilitate retention of local young families.

3.29 The SHMA notes that the housing stock is characterised by a combination of dense provision, overprovision of smaller flats and flatted buildings, and a shortage of larger homes of three bedrooms and more. It states that it is important that future development policy prioritises a rebalancing of stock to incentivise the provision of family homes and control the expansion of "flatting" of larger homes, while at the same time recognising solid demand for smaller homes including from young single people and increasing numbers of older single people.

3.30 Cliftonville West and (part of) Margate Central wards have had particular issues relating to the availability of cheap properties that have been converted into small residential units and resultant transient community. Due to the severity of the issues in these areas, evidence is available to support planning policies to resist the conversion of buildings to 1-bedrooom flats, and provide more family housing. These policies are included in the Cliftonville Development Plan Document (adopted 2010)

3.31 In assessing housing needs the SHMA considers information about aspirations, economic development plans for the sub-region, opportunities to attract mature working households that new rail links will bring and priority need for affordable housing. It recommends broad proportions of the sizes and types of market and affordable homes that should be provided. This is shown in tables 5 and 6.

3.32 In applying Policy SP19, the Council will have regard to the relevant conclusions of the Strategic Housing Market Assessment (2016) or any relevant evidence serving to refresh or update it.