WHAT IS THE LOCAL PLAN AND WHY DOES IT MATTER?
Sevenoaks District Council (SDC) is currently consulting on the Local Plan, which will determine where local developments should be in the future, as far as the 2040s.
Under the Government’s new rules, Sevenoaks District Council has been instructed to find sites for over 17,000 new homes in just 15 years - an increase of around a third in the number of homes across the district. In comparison, housing targets within Greater London are being reduced, as well as neighbouring Labour - controlled Councils such as Medway.
The Prime Minister promised that “Grey Belt” would mean ugly, disused land. But the reality is that it threatens the beautiful local green spaces that define our community and quality of life.
As many of you will know, I have long campaigned to protect our Green Belt – and I oppose the Government’s determination to concrete over it under the misleading banner of so-called “Grey Belt.”
Sadly, however, Sevenoaks District Council faces an impossible task. If they exclude “Grey Belt” sites from the consultation, the Government’s Planning Inspectorate could reject the plan and remove local control altogether.
I am clear that more local housing is needed — but it must be in the right locations, supported by the right infrastructure, and above all, with local consent. That’s why I am continuing to stand with residents, parish councils, and community groups – making formal representations and pressing Ministers to rethink their policy.
WHAT ARE THE EXACT PROPOSALS?
Proposals which affect our community include, amongst others:
- 300 houses across 4 sites in West Kingsdown
- 333 houses across 5 sites in Kemsing
- 260 houses in South Darenth
- 945 houses across 10 sites in Hextable
- 227 in Halstead across 5 sites (in addition to over 800 homes at Broke Hill outside of the Local Plan)
- Over 3000 houses in Sevenoaks – including over 1750 in Dunton Green
- Nearly 2000 houses in Swanley across 15 sites
You can view the Draft Local Plan HERE.
A map of the sites can be found HERE.
Analysis of the individual sites is HERE
And the Green Belt assessment of sites (both included and not included in the consultation) can be found HERE.
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
Sevenoaks District Council can only remove sites from the local if it can provide robust evidence that will stand up to examination by the Planning Inspectorate. That is why your voice matters, and I urge as many of you as possible to take part before the consultation closes on 11 December.
I recognise many have found the process confusing or hard to navigate, but to help I have shared below practical guidance and flow-charts which I hope will help. You do not need to comment on every site, just those that concern you.
Paper copies of the Local Plan documents are also available in all local libraries, where staff can print off response forms. Town and parish councils also have copies available, however if you experience any difficulty, please contact me directly at [email protected].
Sevenoaks District Council are also hosting 'Pop up’ sessions at the following locations and days in our community. To book your place please click HERE.
- Eynsford – Eynsford Village Hall – Monday 17 November 2025, 4pm, 5.30pm and 7pm
- Chiddingstone – The Causeway Hall, Chiddingstone Causeway – Tuesday 18 November 2025, 4pm, 5.30pm and 7pm
- South Darenth – Jubilee Hall – Thursday 20 November 2025, 4pm, 5.30pm and 7pm
- Otford– Otford Village Memorial Hall (Players Hall) – Tuesday 25 November 2025, 4pm, 5.30pm and 7pm
- Sevenoaks – Sevenoaks District Council offices – Monday 8 December 2025, 4pm, 5.30pm and 7pm
Additionally;
Hextable Parish Council are holding their own Local Plan Session in the Hextable Village Hall between 4pm and 7pm.
And, Dunton Green Parish Council are holding a public meeting at Dunton Green Pavillion on Tuesday 2nd December at 7.30pm
If enough of us make our voices heard, they will feel the pressure to act – and together, we can still persuade the Government to think again.