Tonbridge and Malling needs to build 13,000 homes by 2031.

That is the conclusion of the planning consultants GL Hearn, who have been commissioned by the borough council to carry out a “strategic housing market assessment” for the area to guide the preparation of a new Local Plan.

The London-based firm believes the borough needs to build at an annual average of 650 homes.

In the 10 years to 2012, it achieved an average of 615 homes per year, but since the economic slowdown the annual rate has dropped - to just 394 in 2012/13.

The new plan period will be partly retrospective - starting in 2011 and will run for 20 years to 2031.

A number of homes have already been built or planning permissions are already in the pipeline and unlike Maidstone council, Tonbridge and Malling is also making an allowance for “windfall” sites - those plots that come forward unexpectedly.

Together they will provide 5,800 homes, leaving the borough to find sites for another 7,200 before 2031 or 400 homes per year.

As a consequence the borough council is issuing a “call for sites.”

It is inviting landowners, developers and the local community to identify possible sites for development so that they can be considered in the preparation of the new Local Plan.

Cllr Sue Murray, the cabinet member for planning and transportation, said: “It is going to be quite a challenge to identify sufficient land to address the housing and employment needs of the borough, so it is important that we look carefully at all potential options, otherwise we will be under pressure to release land in an unplanned way.

“That is why we are now asking the local community and landowners in the borough to draw to our attention any land which might be available so that we can form a view about which are the most suitable sites to take forward for public consultation.”

Cllr Murray stressed that the process was at an early stage and it did not necessarily follow that any land suggested now would automatically be earmarked for development.

Details on how to submit possible sites are on the council’s website at www.tmbc.gov.uk/callforsites.

The council is looking for sites capable of accommodating at least five homes. Sites for other uses, such as businesses or retail, must be at least 0.25 hectares in size.

The deadline for making a submission is Friday, May 30.

The council hopes to issue its draft Local Plan for public consultation by the end of next year, for adoption in 2016.