We call for a clear commitment from the Conservative-run Council for a Local Plan that works for everyone.
We urgently need a Local Plan that is led by residents and local communities, not one where developers are effectively in control of where new housing goes. We also need a coherent vision for improved transport and roads, water supply, schools and health services for our growing population.
For years, the Conservative-run Sevenoaks District Council has failed to deliver the new and affordable homes we need. In 2024/25 just 145 new houses were built, the lowest in Kent.
Now, the Conservatives claim they have “no choice” but to push through their plan for 17,500 new homes across our district.
They have even earmarked Broke Hill in Halstead and the Orchard School site in Hextable for development, just months after campaigning to protect them.
The reality is the Conservatives have been in charge of local planning policy for years but have failed to produce a much-needed Local Plan since 2011.
Liberal Democrats will continue to hold the Conservative Council to account and demand that decisions are more transparent and democratic.
Please read our Lib Dem position on the Local Plan below, and our Five Tests for a good Plan.
The latest draft Sevenoaks District Local Plan proposes many significant new housing and other developments across the District, adding up to 17,000 new homes by 2042.
From Edenbridge and Chiddingstone Causeway in the south, through Sevenoaks, Otford and Kemsing in the centre, to Swanley, Hextable and South Darenth in the north - communities across our District will be affected. Significant developments are proposed at sites including Fort Halstead, Knockholt, Badgers Mount and Farningham, with New Ash Green also seeing significant change.
The Plan has many flaws and weaknesses. But we have decided not to oppose it outright at this stage. In the interests of residents, we believe we should first try to work collaboratively to amend and improve it.
Even Sevenoaks' Conservative MP opposes the plan, put forward by her own party's councillors at Sevenoaks District Council.
It's essential for our communities
Sevenoaks District needs to agree a new Local Plan - ideally well before the planned re-organisation of local government in Kent in 2028.
In recent years, our communities have suffered greatly from the absence of a Local Plan:
Without a Plan, we have no control. With a good Plan, we can shape our District's future.
Communities like Edenbridge, Chiddingstone Causeway, Swanley and Hextable face disproportionate development under the current proposals.
Meanwhile, other areas including some villages may miss out on appropriate growth they actually need and want. Major sites at Pedham Place, Edenbridge and Chiddingstone Causeway will transform their localities, while places like Sevenoaks and South Darenth and also see significant change.
What Must Change:
The Local Plan MUST allocate new developments fairly across the District, including by identifying where some limited development in villages would be welcome.
As currently proposed, some communities will grow disproportionately, while others that need and want more housing and related infrastructure could miss out altogether.
Whether you live in Sevenoaks or Swanley, Edenbridge or Hextable, Otford or South Darenth, Kemsing or Farningham - infrastructure is already stretched
Roads around Chiddingstone Causeway and Edenbridge will face massive new pressure. Communities like Badgers Mount, New Ash Green and Knockholt need proper infrastructure planning too.
What Must Change:
Despite many pledges, the draft Local Plan does not identify the infrastructure needs of the District or how they will be met.
It MUST set out:
Vague promises aren't good enough. We need concrete commitments.
From Edenbridge to Swanley, Sevenoaks to Hextable, and in villages like Otford, Kemsing, Chiddingstone Causeway, South Darenth, Farningham and New Ash Green - local people and key workers cannot afford to live in their own communities.
Development must deliver genuinely affordable homes.
What Must Change:
The Local Plan MUST include evidence that the need for additional affordable housing can and will be met, with clear commitments from the Council.
No more vague aspirations. We need guarantees.
Our environment matters throughout the District, from rivers and green spaces to countryside and sensitive natural areas
Communities and Landscapes from the Darent and Eden Valleys to the Sevenoaks Hills all need environmental protection.
What Must Change:
The Local Plan MUST spell out the Council's commitment to:
Development shouldn't come at the cost of our environment.
Development across Sevenoaks, Swanley, Edenbridge and villages like Otford, Kemsing and Chiddingstone Causeway must meet high standards with genuine community consultation.
Wherever development happens in Sevenoaks district, quality and community engagement must be guaranteed.
What Must Change:
The Local Plan MUST explain how the Council will insist on:
Residents deserve a voice in developments that will shape their communities.
The last consultation on the draft Local Plan closed in December 2025. There will be further consultations.
This Plan will shape Sevenoaks, Swanley, Edenbridge, Chiddingstone Causeway, Hartley, New Ash Green, Otford, Kemsing and every community in our District for the next 18 years. It's vital that you make your voice heard.
We will update with more information about how you can respond to the next consultation when we have it.
Your response should be specific about your concerns in your local area - whether you live in Sevenoaks town, Swanley, Edenbridge, Chiddingstone Causeway, or villages like Hartley, New Ash Green, Otford or Kemsing. Reference our five priorities if they reflect your views.
In recent years, our communities have suffered greatly from the absence of a Local Plan. The District has regularly missed housing targets and the lack of an agreed Plan has made it easier for developers to win inappropriate planning permissions.
We believe the best approach is to work to improve the Plan rather than oppose it and leave communities with no protection at all.
As sitting Councillors, we must stand apart from individual site issues, as campaigning on them could result in us losing the opportunity to vote on the Plan.
However, when the time comes to vote, we will the plan against our five priorities:
That's exactly why we're pushing so hard for the Plan to be specific about:
Vague pledges aren't good enough. We need concrete, legally binding commitments with clear timescales.
Respond to the consultation with your specific concerns
Encourage other people in your community to respond with their concerns
Wherever you live in Sevenoaks District, we're pushing for:
The current draft doesn't provide this. We're fighting to change that.
Expected timeline:
This could change if major revisions are needed - which we're pushing for.
Sevenoaks Liberal Democrats have condemned the Sevenoaks District Council Local Plan as a missed opportunity that ignores local residents in favour of developers and landowners.
On 3rd March, Liberal Democrat Councillors in Sevenoaks wrote to the Council's Conservative Leadership proposing urgent all-party discussions on their plans for new housing developments. More than 3 months later, the Conservative leader has not replied.
The results of the public consultation on the draft Sevenoaks Local Plan have been published, showing residents oppose every major development proposal put forward by the Council.
Sevenoaks Council have confirmed key dates for their Local Plan for 2026 and 2027.
Liberal Democrat proposal ensures river health will be central to emerging Local Plan
The Conservative failure to produce a viable Sevenoaks Local Plan over many years has left our District vulnerable to inappropriate development and higher government housing targets.
Liberal Democrats are working with communities across Sevenoaks District - from Sevenoaks to Swanley, Edenbridge to Chiddingstone Causeway, Hartley to New Ash Green, and from Otford to Kemsing - to push for improvements to the Local Plan.
Want to discuss concerns in your area?
📧 Email: hello@sevenoakslibdems.org.uk
🌐 Website: www.sevenoakslibdems.org.uk
Whether you're in Sevenoaks town, Swanley, Edenbridge, Chiddingstone Causeway or any village in the District, we want to hear from you.
Together, we can make this Plan work for all communities in Sevenoaks District, not just developers.