The Emerging Local Plan - Major Housing Proposals Affecting Our Area

Emerging Local Plan – Major Housing Proposals Affecting Our Area

Sevenoaks District Council has published its revised Local Plan, setting out how it intends to meet the Government’s significantly increased housing requirement of 17,460 new homes between 2027 and 2042. This is a 63% rise on the previous target, and several of the proposed allocations fall within or immediately around our parish.

Sites Identified in Our Parish

The draft plan (Regulation 19 stage) confirms substantial development on the following sites:

• Southdowns Retirement Village – The proposal has now been formalised to include 69 new homes, expanding the existing retirement community and providing additional specialist accommodation for older residents
• Agricultural land between Heathside and Skinny Lane – This greenfield site is allocated for up to 230 new homes, forming one of the largest single allocations in the parish.

Together, these two sites account for 299 of the 419 additional homes proposed for our village.

Other nearby allocations include:

• Oakview Stud Farm and The Stables (Horton Kirby) – 90 dwellings are proposed on previously developed land within the Green Belt, with developers indicating that adjacent land could support further units.
• Land North of Rabbits Road (South Darenth) – 40 dwellings are proposed on this greenfield site.
• Land on Holmsdale Hill (South Darenth) - 20 dwellings are proposed for this previously developed land.

Why These Sites Are Being Proposed

Council leaders state they have “no choice” but to identify sufficient land to meet mandatory government housing targets. They warn that failing to produce a compliant plan could lead to speculative development and reduced local control.

However, many residents and community groups have raised concerns about:

• Pressure on local roads, especially Skinny Lane, Horton Road and the A225
• Strain on schools, healthcare, and utilities
• Loss of rural character and erosion of the Green Belt
• Whether infrastructure plans are adequate for nearly 419 new households

Timeline – and Why This Moment Matters

The Local Plan is now at Regulation 19 consultation, running from 23 July to 17 September 2026. This is the final opportunity for residents to comment before the plan is submitted for examination.

Key milestones:

• Summer 2026 – Draft Local Plan published
• End of 2026 – Submission to Planning Inspectorate
• 2027 – Public examination
• December 2027 – Expected adoption (if approved)

Parish Council Pop‑Up Q&A Sessions

To support residents in understanding the proposals, the Parish Council will be holding two pop‑up Q&A sessions on Monday, 10 August:

• 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
• 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Residents can drop in at either session to view maps, ask questions, and access guidance on how to submit effective Regulation 19 comments. More detailed information about the proposed sites will be available.

How to Have Your Say

Comments at this stage must focus on whether the plan is legally compliant and sound. Residents are strongly encouraged to review the proposals and submit a response before the deadline.

You can respond:

• Online: via the council’s engagement portal
• Email: [email protected]
• Post: Strategic Planning Team, Sevenoaks District Council, Argyle Road, Sevenoaks, TN13 1HG

Paper copies of the consultation documents are available at libraries, parish/town council offices, and the Sevenoaks council office.

A Call to Action

These proposals will shape the future of our parish for decades. Whether you support or oppose the allocations, your voice will only be counted if you take part in the consultation. Even a short submission helps demonstrate community engagement and ensures local concerns are formally recorded.

Councillor Dave Hollands