The latest draft Sevenoaks District Local Plan is out for public consultation. It 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 consultation on the draft Local Plan closes on 11 December 2025*.
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.
Respond to the consultation: www.sevenoaks.gov.uk/emerginglocalplan
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.
*The response closes at 23:59:59 on 11 December, but don't leave your response 'till the last minute!
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 before December 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.
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 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.