Dear supporter
Thank you for signing our open letter to Sevenoaks Council about the Local Plan.
The Leader of Sevenoaks Council has responded to the open letter. Our requests and a summary of the responses are shown below (a full copy of the response will follow).
Summary of Council response
1.Fully acknowledge and respond to the significant negative landscape effect identified by its July 2026 Sustainability Appraisal.
It is fully acknowledged that the Pedham Place site allocation is located in both the Green Belt and National Landscape.
2.Address the moderate or uncertain negative effects identified for biodiversity, climate-change mitigation, transport and water.
Water - The Council recognises that the Sustainability Appraisal identifies some uncertainty regarding future water resources and wastewater infrastructure.
Transport – Where roads are at capacity or junction hotspots have been identified, mitigation works have been proposed.
Biodiversity – We have prepared a development brief for the site which considers biodiversity enhancements and seeks to avoid negative impacts on biodiversity.
3. Demonstrate that the infrastructure required to support the proposed scale of growth will be delivered alongside development.
The Local Plan is supported by a comprehensive Infrastructure Delivery Plan (IDP). The IDP identifies known infrastructure requirements, funding mechanisms, delivery partners and, where available, anticipated delivery timescales.
While the Council is not responsible for directly delivering much of the infrastructure identified, delivery is supported through a combination of statutory provider investment programmes, developer contributions, government funding opportunities and partnership working.
4.Review whether stronger climate change mitigation requirements are necessary, particularly in light of the Sustainability Appraisal's finding that the Plan currently produces a moderate or uncertain negative effect in this area.
Whilst it notes that the Plan does not impose extensive carbon reduction requirements beyond national standards, this reflects a policy choice rather than a deficiency in the Plan. Whilst some authorities have sought to introduce requirements that exceed national standards, doing so must be supported by detailed technical and viability evidence demonstrating that such requirements are justified and deliverable.
5. Ensure that the environmental impacts of Pedham Place are properly addressed, including landscape, biodiversity and transport impacts, before the Plan is finalised.
The extensive evidence base which underpins the plan (including on landscape, biodiversity and transport) supports the allocation of this site and this site has undergone rigorous assessment.
6. Explain why Scenario 1 is considered justified on balance when the Sustainability Appraisal identifies credible alternative scenarios which may perform better against particular objectives, including landscape, transport and housing delivery.
The SA states that Scenario 1 ranks first under the greatest number of sustainability topic headings, and is considered the most sustainable approach to meeting development needs.
7.Make any necessary changes to the Local Plan before submission for examination where the evidence demonstrates that the Plan could be made more sustainable, deliverable or sound.
We are not able to amend the Regulation 19 Plan. However, the Inspector is able to recommend modifications to the Plan, through the examination process, and based on representation received during the Regulation 19 publication period.
Next Steps
1 December 2026 - Full Council
Councillors are expected to vote on whether to approve submission of the Local Plan for independent examination.
By 31 December 2026 - Submission
If approved, the Council submits the Local Plan and supporting documents to the Planning Inspectorate.
Early summer 2027 - Examination hearings
An independent Planning Inspector examines the Plan's legal compliance and soundness, including whether its housing allocations, infrastructure and environmental policies are justified and deliverable.
Late 2027 to early 2028 - Adoption
Subject to a successful examination and any necessary modifications, Full Council can formally adopt the Plan.
What you can do
Please continue to spread the word so people understand what is happening and feel free to attend ad watch the full council meeting in person on 1st December or watch online from 7pm.
Once again, thank you for engaging with local democracy in any way you can.
Laura Manston