Planning
Planning Applications
The Parish Council is consulted on all planning applications in the Parish by Sevenoaks District Council. The Parish Council's recommendations are passed on to the District Council who take them into account and then make the f
inal decision. We can ask our District Councillor to call an application into committee (at Sevenoaks District Council) for a decision. Planning Applications that will be discussed at a meeting will be listed on the agenda.
We are provided with notices of all planning decisions made and all appeals and keep records of planning applications from the parish.
You can search for planning applications via the Sevenoaks District Council Planning Portal.
Tree Work
The parish council has a Tree Work sub-committee that discusses the trees within the parish and particularly on parish council land.
The council is notified about Tree Work applications in the Conservation Area, or to trees covered by Tree Preservation Orders. We aim to provide our views on these applications after consultation with our Tree Warden, although we are not a statutory consultee.
Planning Policy and Consultations
We are consulted by both Kent County Council and Sevenoaks District Council about planning policies and guidance. We sent in comments to Sevenoaks District Council on the Local Development Framework which became the main planning policy for the district until 2026. Now a new planning document - the Allocations and Development Management Plan- is being produced by Sevenoaks District Council against which future planning decisions will be made, and we have commented on this. Further information on planning policy can be found on the Sevenoaks District Council website. Kent County Council produces the Kent Minerals and Waste Local Plan and provides advice on Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation.
Conservation Area, Green Belt and AONB
The centre of Eynsford is classed as a Conservation Area. This is an area of particular historic value and character within the village. That means that there are stricter planning regulations on both buildings and trees in this area. Advice should be sought from Sevenoaks District Council before making any changes to the structure or appearance of your property, or any work to trees.
Eynsford also lies within the Metropolitan Green Belt and many properties around the edge of the village are classed as being in the Green Belt and have limits on development. Usually, this means that houses cannot be extended by more than 50% of their original size. General planning policy on the Green Belt can be found here. There are maps showing both the Green Belt and the Conservation Area in the parish office.
In addition, Eynsford is in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and policy aims to protect the landscape or the area. This can add additional planning implications. Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty provides some advice on planning policy and is consulted by the local authority.
Listed Buildings
English Heritage set up the system for 'Listing' buildings of historical or local value, and the full list and further information can be found on their website. There are 59 listings for Eynsford, some of which include more than one property. Listed buildings in Eynsford include Elizabeth Cottages, Little Mote, Eynsford Bridge, Willow Cottage and many more. Listings for Eynsford also include barns, walls and ruins. If you wish to make any changes to a listed property, you should seek planning advice from Sevenoaks District Council first.
