Allocations and Development Management Plan

Completed my review of the policies in the Sevenoaks District Local Plan which I had not so far reviewed. Started to review the Allocations and Development Management Plan (ADMP), part of the Local Development Framework (LDF), which will go some way to replacing it. I have noticed three potential items so far that may give rise to concern. The first is that there is no mention of tandem development, ie development behind an existing road frontage, such as Station Road. I would be concerned if the plan opened up such development possibilities. The second is that there appears to be no mention of vehicle parking standards for domestic property extensions, although new developments are covered, and this would be a worry given the existing parking problems in the village. The third is that there appears to be little mention of the protection of wildlife sites, bearing in mind that the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) expects local authorities to '... set criteria based policies against which proposals for any development on or affecting protected wildlife or geodiversity sites or landscape areas will be judged'. I will ask Phil Ward, our Planning Committee chairman to double check these points, and then seek clarification from Sevenoaks District Council should he agree that there is a concern.