Residents can have their say on plans

Residents can have their say on two important documents when a series of public exhibitions take place across the District in the coming weeks.

As part of its consultation on the ‘Preferred Options: Core Strategy’ and the ‘Interim Housing Policy Supplementary Planning Document’ Sevenoaks District Council will be visiting a number of towns in the District over the next three weeks to give residents the opportunity to view, and comment on the documents.

The public exhibitions are taking place on the following dates:

• Saturday 21 October - 10am to 3pm. Edenbridge, Rickards Halls. 
• Monday 23 October - 10am to 3pm. New Ash Green Youth Centre
• Tuesday 24 October - 10am to 3pm. Swanley Clock Tower
• Wednesday 25 October - 10am to 3pm. Westerham Parish Council Chamber
• Tuesday 26 October - 10am to 3pm. Sevenoaks District Council Public Gallery

The exhibitions for the following four dates are being held in the Council's mobile unit:

• Wednesday 1 November - 3pm to 8pm. Hartley, on the corner of Ash Road and Culvey Close
• Thursday 2 November - 3pm to 8pm. Otford, car park opposite the Bull Pub
• Monday 6 November - 3pm to 8pm. Knockholt, Three Horse Shoe Pub car park
• Tuesday 7 November - 3pm to 8pm. Leigh, Crandalls car park, adjacent to Leigh village green

The two documents set out a number of plans for creating vibrant communities, and maintaining a healthy environment.

The ‘Preferred Options – Core Strategy’ is the central component of the Local Development Framework – an important document which sets out guidelines on how land and buildings should be developed in the District over the next 25 years.

Sevenoaks District Council drafted the ‘Preferred Options – Core Strategy’ document following extensive consultation earlier this year with people across the District. It is based on those things that people have said are important to them, which include affordable housing, jobs for local people, good access to local services and protecting the countryside.

The draft ‘Interim Housing Policy Supplementary Planning Document’ tackles the problem the high level of demand for housing, compared with the District’s limited land supply, has brought.

The document seeks to ensure that new housing goes towards meeting the needs of local people by setting out strict new criteria for planning applications in the District.

Cllr Jill Davison, Sevenoaks District Council’s Cabinet Member with responsibility for Strategic Planning, says: "We are travelling the length and breadth of the District to give everyone the chance to have their say on these important documents. If you can make it along to any of these dates, then please do, as we want to hear from as many people as possible."

Both documents can be downloaded on the Council’s website by going to www.sevenoaks.gov.uk/ldf and selecting the 'current consultations' link.

The documents are also available for inspection at Sevenoaks District Council, Edenbridge (on a Thursday only) and Swanley local offices and all libraries in the District.

For further information please contact: Steve Mandaluff on 01732 227162 or e-mail steven.mandaluff@sevenoaks.gov.uk