Residents urged to comment on the new Local Plan

Published: Wednesday, 16th November 2022

Residents are being asked for their views on ‘Plan 2040’ the new Local Plan, which will provide new infrastructure to meet the future housing and economic needs of the Sevenoaks District.

Sevenoaks District Council’s new Local Plan will manage what can be built and where up to 2040.

In order to protect the District’s much cherished Green Belt, the Plan focuses growth in existing towns, promoting the most efficient use of land and the reuse of Brownfield sites.

It includes proposals for new homes, protecting business space and supporting the District’s high streets as well as new facilities such as schools, health centres and transport. Crucially it aims to protect the District’s character and environment.

At the heart of the new plan is a vision underpinned by three principles: the creation of healthy communities, delivering the Council’s net zero 2030 commitment and seeking design excellence for all new developments.

Cllr Julia Thornton, the Council’s Cabinet Member for Development and Conservation, says:

“Our new Local Plan focuses on what our residents have consistently told us about as being important to them; protecting the Green Belt while enabling new homes, supporting businesses, generating new jobs and providing new infrastructure.

“This public consultation won’t be the only opportunity that residents will have over the next 18 months to have their say, but is perhaps the most important one as the responses we receive will shape the final version of the Plan. And as the Local Plan will affect us all for many years to come, I would urge local people to get involved and take part in our survey or attend one of our drop-in sessions. We want to hear what everyone has to say.”

Residents can view the new Local Plan and have their say at www.sevenoaks.gov.uk/plan2040.

Alternatively they can call the Council on 01732 227000 to request a paper copy of the survey.

Copies of the new Local Plan will be available at the Council’s offices in Sevenoaks and at libraries throughout the District.

The Council is also running three drop-in sessions where local people can find out more about the new Local Pan and have their say.

The drop-in sessions are taking place on the following dates and locations:

• Edenbridge - Wednesday 30 November 2022 - 2.30pm to 5pm and 5.30pm to 8pm - Edenbridge Leisure Centre, Stangrove Park, TN8 5LU
• Sevenoaks -Tuesday 6 December 2022 - 2.30pm to 5pm and 5.30pm to 8pm - Sevenoaks District Council Offices, Argyle Road, TN13 1HG
• Swanley - Thursday 8 December 2022 - 2.30pm to 5pm and 5.30pm to 8pm - The Alexandra Suite, St Mary’s Road, BR8 7BU
• Online - Wednesday 4 January 2023 - 2.30pm to 5pm and 5.30pm to 8pm- visit www.sevenoaks.gov.uk/plan2040 nearer the time.

The consultation is open until 11.59pm on Wednesday 11 January 2023.