| 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. |
Family Fun Day - Four Elms Field 10.30 am
Family fun days are back!
Sevenoaks District Council’s popular Family Fun Days return with four weeks of free fun and games over school summer break. They include arts, crafts, competitions, and sports and are aimed at children aged 12 and under, but they may not be suitable for very young children.
No booking is necessary as families can simply turn up and have fun, however children must be supervised by a parent or guardian at all times.
This year, Millwall Community Trust have teamed up with Kellogg’s to offer free football sessions at eight of the fun days for girls and boys aged 5 to 12. These must be booked in advance and claimed using a Kellogg’s promotional code, found on their boxes.
Residents are encouraged to bring waterproofs and sunscreen. Refreshments can be purchased at some locations.
The days are subject to the weather, so residents are advised to keep an eye on the Council’s website www.sevenoaks.gov.uk/familyfundays or its Facebook and X accounts before setting off.
Cllr Lesley Dyball, the Council’s Cabinet Member for People and Places, says:
“Our free Family Fun Days are perfect for children under 12 to try new things, socialise and be creative in a fun, safe environment.
“Having the Millwall Community Trust and Kellogg’s football sessions at certain events will make this year’s fun days better than ever. If the weather’s nice, bring along a picnic and make a day of it.”
The days are funded and organised by Sevenoaks District Council, run by Play Place and supported by town and parish councils who are providing the venues.
This year’s Family Fun Day dates and locations are:
Monday 29 July 10.30am to 1.30pm
Fordcombe Cricket Ground, The Green, TN3 0RT
Tuesday 30 July 10.30am to 1.30pm – includes Kellogg’s and Millwall football camp
Seal Recreation Ground, High Street, TN15 0AF
Wednesday 31 July 10.30am to 1.30pm – includes Kellogg’s and Millwall football camp
Dunton Green Recreation Ground, London Road, TN13 2UR
Thursday 1 August 10.30am to 1.30pm
Sevenoaks, Greatness Recreation Ground, Mill Lane, TN14 5BX
Friday 2 August 10.30am to 1.30pm
South Darenth, Heathside Recreation Area, DA4 9AZ
Monday 5 August 10.30am to 1.30pm – includes Kellogg’s and Millwall football camp
West Kingsdown, Gamecock Meadow, London Road, TN15 6BZ
Tuesday 6 August 10.30am to 1.30pm – includes Kellogg’s and Millwall football camp
Hextable Heritage Centre, College Road, BR8 7LT
Wednesday 7 August 10.30am to 1.30pm
Eynsford, Anthony Roper School, High Street, DA4 0AA
Thursday 8 August 10am to 1pm
Edenbridge, Stangrove Park, TN8 5LU
Friday 9 August 10.30am to 1.30pm
Leigh, The Green, TN11 8QP
Monday 12 August 10.30am to 1.30pm – includes Kellogg’s and Millwall football camp
Halstead Recreation Ground, Station Road, TN14 7HG
Tuesday 13 August 10.30am to 1.30pm
Hartley, Woodland Avenue Recreation Ground, Woodland Avenue, DA3 7DB
Wednesday 14 August 10.30am to 1.30pm – includes Kellogg’s and Millwall football camp
Swanley Park, New Barn Road, BR8 7PW
Thursday 15 August 2pm to 5pm
Westerham, King George’s Playing Field, Brasted Road, TN16 1BN
Friday 16 August 10.30am to 1.30pm
Chiddingstone Causeway Sports Field, Tonbridge Road, TN11 8JS
Monday 19 August 10.30am to 1.30pm – includes Kellogg’s and Millwall football camp
Four Elms Field, (behind Four Elms School), Bough Beech Road, TN8 6NE
Tuesday 20 August 10.30am to 1.30pm – includes Kellogg’s and Millwall football camp
New Ash Green, The Minnis, Centre Road, DA3 8HH
Wednesday 21 August 10.30am to 1.30pm
Farningham, Market Meadow, High Street, DA4 0DH
Thursday 22 August 10.30am to 1.30pm
Crockenhill Village Hall, Stones Cross Rd, BR8 8LT
Friday 23 August 10.30am to 1.30pm
Chipstead Recreation Ground, Chevening Road, TN13 2SA