Another chance to comment on the new Local Plan

The public can comment on the updated version of the Local Plan, with development sites to meet the Government’s mandatory housing target, when the ‘Regulation 19 Publication’ opens from 23 July to 17 September 2026.

The new Local Plan will guide what can be built and where between 2027 and 2042. The sites proposed were put forward by landowners and developers, and assessed against national planning policy, which was significantly updated by the Government in December 2024.

The Government has increased Sevenoaks District Council’s housing target by 63% - meaning 17,460 houses must be built over the next 15 years.

While the Local Plan will make use of already existing built-up areas and brownfield land, the Government’s amended planning laws require the Council to include Green Belt land to meet the housing target, especially land now qualifying as downgraded ‘Grey Belt’ because of Government planning law changes.

Despite this, the Local Plan will continue to protect 98% of the Green Belt and the District’s natural environment and unique and historic character.

The Local Plan also includes proposals to support the economy and includes an Infrastructure Delivery Plan for new schools, shops, health centres and improved public transport to support the new housing. The Local Plan also focusses on securing a significant amount of affordable housing for local residents.

Once the Regulation 19 Publication opens on 23 July, residents can find out more and have their say at www.sevenoaks.gov.uk/reg19.

They can also comment by emailing [email protected] or writing to: Regulation 19 Publication Comments, Planning Policy, Sevenoaks District Council, Argyle Road, Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 1HG.

Paper copies of the Local Plan will be available to view at local libraries and Sevenoaks District Council’s office in Sevenoaks.

As part of the Regulation 19 Publication, the public cannot suggest new development options. Instead, their comments should focus on whether the new Local Plan is compliant with national legislation and if it is ‘sound’, in other words based on evidence, meets future need, is deliverable and promotes sustainable development.

A small number of new sites were added to the Local Plan. This follows further land being made available and recent Government changes to the direction of national planning policy to support new developments close to existing transport links.