| Public to have their say on the new Local Plan |
| Residents can soon comment on the new Local Plan when Sevenoaks District Council’s begins its public consultation from 23 October 2025.
The Local Plan will help shape development between 2027 and 2042. It also lists potential development sites, proposed by developers and landowners, to meet the Government’s increased housing targets for the District. There are several ways the public can comment on the new Local Plan:
Pop-up sessions can be booked now at www.sevenoaks.gov.uk/emerginglocalplan or by calling the Sevenoaks District Council on 01732 227000. One-hour long ‘Pop up’ sessions are available at 4pm, 5.30pm and 7pm at the following locations:
The consultation is open for seven weeks from Thursday 23 October until midnight on Thursday 11 December 2025. Cllr Nigel Williams, Sevenoaks District Council’s Cabinet Member for Development & Infrastructure, says: “The Government has set us an extremely challenging housing target of 1,145 new homes every year up to 2042. We have no choice but to include adequate sites in our new Local Plan to meet this target. “More than 500 sites were put forward by developers for inclusion in the Local Plan. After careful consideration, we have included only a fraction of these sites. They are in the most suitable locations, close to existing settlements and transport infrastructure, across a broad range of areas within the District. “However, the new Local plan is not just about new housing. It includes proposals to support our local economy, new infrastructure, like schools, health centres, shops and transport, and protection for the natural and historic environment, including the majority of the Green Belt. It includes proposals for design excellence in new developments and promoting healthy communities. “We really want to hear what residents have to say about our Local Plan. As well as our survey, we are running a record ten ‘pop-up’ sessions right across the District, making it easier than ever for residents to get involved.” About the Sevenoaks District Local Plan The new Local Plan, once finalised, will guide what can be built and where between 2027 and 2042 The Government has instructed Sevenoaks District Council to identify land for 1,145 new homes every year, a 63% increase on the current housing target. While the new Local Plan proposes making the best use of sites within existing built-up areas and brownfield land, the Government amended planning laws require councils to use Green Belt land to meet its housing target. Failing to meet the housing target could lead to the Local Plan being refused by Planning Inspectors. This would leave the District open to piecemeal development, which makes it harder for infrastructure providers to holistically consider the impact of new housing development on their services. The Local Plan includes sites, spread across a broad range of settlements in the District, to meet the Government’s housing target in full, including much-needed affordable homes. All the sites that are under consideration have been put forward by landowners and developers. The Council has assessed the sites to check their suitability, availability and deliverability. As well as new homes, the Local Plan includes proposals to support the economy by protecting business space and high streets and the provision of new infrastructure such as schools, shops, health centres and improved local transport. Whilst it is challenging that land in the Green Belt is being considered to meet national housing targets, the Local Plan will do all it can to protect the overwhelming majority of the Green Belt and the District’s environment and unique and special character. |
Category: Latest News (Page 1 of 20)
The latest edition of the Here for You Leaflet is available to view. The leaflet contains an array of useful information – please read it and share!
We have been informed that unfortunately, the turkey oak tree opposite the Henry has been diagnosed with a fungus called Artists Bracket. This means that although it looks healthy, it is being hollowed out from the inside. As a result, the tree will be felled today or tomorrow.
The tree sits on land owned by the Diocese of Rochester. We hope that in the future another tree can be planted in its place.
Whilst the tree, and the land on which it is situated, is not owned by Hever Parish Council, we felt it appropriate to share this information.
The Bulk Refuse Freighter will be in the area on Saturday 19th July for residents to use at the following times:
| 08:30 – 09:00 | Four Elms Village Hall |
| 12:15 – 12:45 | Hever Bottle bank area behind Henry pub in coach car park |
| 13:00 – 13:30 | Markbeech Village Hall |
The Freighter cannot accept white goods, washing machines, dishwashers, fridges, freezers, cookers, cast iron boilers or baths, long metal poles, building materials, manure, large parts of engines or vehicles or hazardous waste or compostable garden waste.
Hazardous waste now includes items like fluorescent tubes, televisions & computer monitors, batteries, oil tins and filters, paint and paint tins and chemical containers. These items cannot be accepted on the Saturday Freighter service and must be taken to your nearest Household Waste Recycling Centre.
Please do not leave any rubbish unattended. Please DO NOT arrive early or leave items on site, otherwise will be classed as fly-tipping and information passed to the police, thank you.
This is a service free to residents, funded by Hever Parish Council and provided by Sevenoaks District Council.
The next Hever Parish Council Meeting will be held on Tuesday 1st July at 7.30 pm in Four Elms Village Hall. The Planning Meeting will commence at 7.00 pm. All are welcome.
The Agenda and Meeting Pack can be found on the website here: http://hever.org/parish-council/agendas
Don’t forget, there are Elections for your Kent County Councillor taking place on Thursday 1st May 2025
To mark the historic 80th anniversary of VE Day on Thursday 8th May, the bells will be ringing out at 6.30 pm followed by the lighting of the beacon on Hever Field at 8.45 pm.
Community Litter Picks have been arranged. Come and join in with your neighbours! It is good fun, with free refreshments and great exercise. If possible, please bring own gloves and wear appropriate clothing and sturdy footwear. Hi visibility vests and litter pickers can be provided, however if you have your own please do bring them.
Litter Pick details are as follows:
- Hever Field – Saturday 22nd March 9.30 am
- Markbeech Village Hall – Saturday 22nd March 1.00 pm
- Four Elms Village Hall – Saturday 29th March 9.30 am
Any queries, please contact clerk@hever.org
We also have the bulk refuse freighter in the parish on Saturday 15th March at the following times:
- 8.30- 9.00 – Four Elms Village Hall
- 12:15 – 12.45 – Hever – Bottle Bank area behind Henry Pub
- 1.00 – 1.30 – Markbeech Village Hall
Are you a pensioner ‘just missing out’ on the Winter Fuel Allowance because you aren’t entitled to Pension Credit ?
KCC have a new Household Support Fund targeting pensioners who are not entitled to Pension Credit. Are you aged 66 or over and have a total annual household income of less than £40,000 and savings of less than £1,000?
You could be entitled to a voucher worth £200 to help with energy and/or food costs.
Go to the KCC website to apply yourself: www.kent.gov.uk/householdsupportfund
Or contact your local Citizens Advice to make an appointment to check your eligibility and apply on your behalf.
Don’t forget that you can contact your local Citizens Advice in many different ways:
Call the free Adviceline on 0808 278 7962 (option 4) Monday to Thursday 9.30am to 4pm
Call into one of our drop in sessions at the Eden Centre Monday to Thursday 10am to 3pm
Email anytime at enquiries@edenbridgecab.cabnet.org.uk
There is an information leaflet with lots of suggestions for help and support for all that has been put together by Sevenoaks District Council. It contains useful links to access help on subjects such as help for families, household bills, budgeting, reducing food costs, staying healthy and well, and support with travel costs.
The leaflet can be found here: Here for you – October – November 2024