Proposed development site at Pedham Place, Farningham
9th August 2018
Most residents will be aware of the proposal by Pedham Place, Farningham to incorporate a large area of their land into the forthcoming Sevenoaks Local Plan, with a suggestion that some 2,500 homes could be built there, to include a new school, surgery, business units etc.
The proposal is currently out for 'consultation' by SDC until 10th September and it is important that every resident of Eynsford & Farningham (and elsewhere) should put forward their views. There are also a number of open meetings that have been arranged by Sevenoaks District Council - the next one is in Eynsford Village Hall between 5pm and 8pm on Monday 13th August. Both Farningham and Eynsford Parish Councils are meeting the land owner the following week to obtain further details so that a full response can be considered.
We would urge any resident who has a view to look at the proposal on https://www.sevenoaks.gov.uk/downloads/file/1259/new_uploaded_1_august_2018_pedham_place_proposals and let SDC have their comments.
By way of background, the Government has indicated to Sevenoaks District Council (SDC) that they must build over 13,000 new houses between now and 2025. If they do not, it is possible that the government could allow new developments against the wishes of SDC if this target not met, including developments on Green Belt. To appreciate the size of the problem facing SDC, 93% of Sevenoaks District is Green Belt so pressure to meet this target is immense.
About two years ago, SDC launched a 'Call for Sites' asking for people to put forward potential residential developments sites. Many were suggested and many were rejected (for instance the land at the rear of Eynsford Rise). The land at Pedham Place is a recent submission but it should be emphasised it is only a proposal by the land owners - it has not been either accepted or rejected by SDC. If it is rejected then that is the end of the proposal. Even if it is accepted as a possibility, this does not mean that it will be included in the forthcoming Local plan and even if this were to happen, planning consent would still have to be sought.
Please note that other smaller sites in surrounding parishes are also part of the consultation. Don't forget to comment on them too!
Eynsford Parish Council
