Experts have called for a more joined-up approach to help ease the challenges faced by the county’s housing sector.

More than 200 industry specialists attended the recent Kent Housing Group (KHG) Conference at the Kent Event Centre in Detling.

Designed to provide a showcase to discuss the issues impacting the public and private housing sector, the key message was a desire for more collaboration.

Brian Horton, chair of KHG explained: “The power of partnership was something that speaker after speaker highlighted as a key requirement of getting things done the right way.

“For example, an infrastructure-first approach will ensure new roads, health services and shops are provided alongside new housing rather than bolted on as an after-thought.

“Other hot topics included integrated care to support public health, housing provision for older people, overcoming obstacles to delivering more affordable housing, and the impact that nutrient neutrality issues at Stodmarsh lakes are having in blocking new homes development in the River Stour catchment area, mostly in the Ashford and Canterbury districts.”

The KHG is the collective voice of the housing sector in Kent and Medway. It has representation from all 12 Kent local authorities, Medway Council, housing associations, Kent County Council and Kent Public Health.