As many Chronicle readers will be aware, the Government have set a mandatory target in our district of over 17,000 homes over the next 15 years.
In order to force us and other rural areas to allocate land to meet outlandish targets, the Government announced the concept of “Grey Belt” which has reduced substantially the Green Belt protections we have long relied upon.
It is important to be clear that the majority of sites currently included in this consultation are a direct result of these Government requirements. If land meets the new “Grey Belt” definition, Sevenoaks District Council has no choice but to consider it for potential development if it is put forward by a developer.
That said, this is still a genuine consultation — and it remains vital that residents take part, as we can collectively provide strong, evidence-based reasons why sites should not be included in the final Local Plan.
Such reasons can include: flood risk or poor drainage, inadequate infrastructure (schools, GP surgeries, roads, water supply etc), lack of sustainability or public transport links or harm to neighbouring National Landscape (previously known as Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty) or heritage areas.
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. I will be making detailed representations on every site that residents have raised with me.
Sevenoaks District Council can only remove sites 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.
For those wishing to attend, three in-person presentation sessions are still available to attend (at the time of writing) on Monday 8 December at the Council offices – although please be mindful that the consultation ends on 11 December. There are other sessions in other areas – and these can be found through a link on this page: www.sevenoaks.gov.uk/info/20069128/emerging_local_plan
I recognise many have found the process confusing or hard to navigate, but to help I have shared practical guidance and flow-charts on my website — www.lauratrott.org.uk. 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].
I have continued to visit as many of affected sites as possible — including most recently in Brittains Lane and Chipstead Park, as well as to Broke Hill, which despite being excluded from the draft Plan, is still subject to a planning application for over 800 homes on Green Belt land, wrongly described by the developer as “Grey Belt.”
My sincere thanks go to all those who have taken the time to meet with me, share their concerns, and provide local insight. Together, we can make the case clearly — that development in the Sevenoaks district must be sustainable, supported, and sensitive to the countryside we all cherish.
