Involvement in Local Plan

On 3rd March this year, Liberal Democrat Councillors in Sevenoaks wrote to the Council's Conservative Leadership proposing urgent all-party discussions on their controversial plans for new housing developments. 

More than 3 months later, the Conservative leader of the Council has yet to reply!

The Lib Dems pointed out that the Sevenoaks residents opposed all of the proposals included in the Conservative plans for the District. Their opposition was almost unanimous and unprecedented in scale. A re-think was required.

Councillors themselves were not involved in preparation of the plans. At an important meeting of the Council's Development Advisory Committee, councillors were not even allowed to comment on the consultation, and told that they should be grateful for the 'courtesy' of being informed about the results.

Back in March, the Lib Dems demanded that the Council consult properly during the months that remained with all the resident associations, Parish Councils and campaign groups that are active in the District. That is the only way  to get these plans right and to test out what could be supported. After all, many people agree that new and affordable housing is desperately needed, but they are also insisting that  improvements in our transport, health and education services should come with them.

These Council plans will determine the shape and quality of our communities for many decades to come. Getting them right is critical for the future of our local environment and the economic vitality of our part of Kent. And, without the necessary infrastructure investment, they are not viable. 

So far, more than 3 months later, there has been no dialogue, no collaboration and no proper consultation.

The Council's next version of their plans will be published on Monday 22nd June.