Plan continues to exceed targets

As preparations begin for the next three years of the Sevenoaks District Community Plan, figures show that the current action plan is continuing to exceed targets in delivering improvements to local residents' quality of life.

An end of year assessment of the second year of the Plan shows that 79% of the 131 actions were on target to be achieved, above the target set at the start of the year of 70%, with just 5% unlikely to be achieved.

The Community Plan, called ‘Making it happen – together’ was developed by Sevenoaks District Council in partnership with local agencies and organisations, and sets out a series of improvements for the District over a ten year period.

The main aims were for Sevenoaks District to be recognised as a place with safe and caring communities, a green and healthy environment and a dynamic and sustainable economy.

Some of the improvements achieved by the Plan over the last year include:

• The “Safe Haven” scheme was launched by Sevenoaks District Council to help victims of domestic abuse remain safe in their own homes by funding and arranging for a room to be made safe and secure.
• Five people in the District, nominated by the Sevenoaks District Community Safety Partnership, received the Government’s “Taking a Stand” award for taking action against anti-social behaviour.
• There was a 22% reduction in the number of people killed or seriously injured on local roads between 2000 and 2005.
• 2,200 young people in the District were consulted, and their views helped to form the new Young People’s Action Plan.
• Nearly 1,300 children attended the 2005 Youth Zone Summer Programme, delivered by Sevenoaks District Council.
• In 2005/06 97% of decisions to refuse planning permission on landscape or green belt land were successfully defended.
• 291 vehicles were voluntarily surrendered and 208 vehicles were removed by Operation Cubit.
• All practices within the District have been able to offer access to a primary health care professional within 24 hours and a GP within 48 hours. 
• Chevening School was the first school in Kent to receive their fourth and permanent Green Flag as part of the Eco-School programme.
• A new scheme to deal with fly tipping was introduced with a hit squad tackling persistent offenders.
• 181 residents participated in the “Get Sorted” healthy lifestyles project in Swanley.
• Dartford, Gravesham and Swanley Primary Care Trust has worked with District Nurses to expand the service provided to people with long term illness to help them remain in their own homes. 
• A GP surgery in Swanley is piloting a “Choose and Book scheme”. This lets patients who need to be referred to hospital book an appointment at the time of their GP consultation.
• There are now four pilot community schools in Sevenoaks District providing a range of services and activities beyond the school day to the wider community.
• 162 units of affordable housing were gained.

Robin Hales, Chairman of the Sevenoaks District Community Planning Partnership, says: “The Community Plan reflects the views of our local residents and what they feel is important to them, and for that reason it is enormously important. By working together with our residents and our partners we can ensure the success of the plan, and continue to make a difference to people in the District. We are currently preparing for the next three years of the plan, and I really would urge residents to have their say on the future of their community.”

The Plan is reviewed every three years to ensure it continues to represent the changing needs of people living in the District. The current Plan will come to an end in March 2007, and the next three year Community Plan Action Plan will start in April 2007 to run through to March 2010.

The Council is encouraging residents to have their say on the Community Plan, and another important document, the Local Development Framework, by completing a survey available from Sevenoaks District Council.

The survey can be downloaded by going to www.sevenoaks.gov.uk/communityplan. Alternatively call 01732 227000 or e-mail communitydevelopment@sevenoaks.gov.uk.

The plan itself, although co-ordinated by the District Council was developed with other agencies and relates to many services such as health, education, social services, youth services, housing, business and transport.

It also includes the work of local voluntary organisations, businesses, community organisations and the faith community. Representatives from all these groups, who can all make a difference to local people’s lives, form the Sevenoaks District Community Planning Partnership.

Monitoring information is collected on a quarterly basis. The Community Plan was discussed at the Cabinet meeting on Thursday 6 July.