What is the development plan?

The Local Plan is a document created by Sevenoaks District Council to decide where new homes and infrastructure will go over the next 15 years. The latest version aims to meet a government target of 17,175 new homes by 2042, that’s about 1,145 houses every year in the Sevenoaks area.

Why are people concerned?

The OT2 site is on Green Belt land, originally protected to prevent urban sprawl and preserve the countryside. Once it’s reclassified as “Grey Belt,” that protection could be lost permanently. 

All of these new developments — including 1,500 homes near Sainsbury’s, 600+ at Fort Halstead, and others in Kemsing — would funnel cars through Otford’s narrow roads. Even modest estimates suggest hundreds of extra vehicles daily.

The primary school is nearly full, GP surgeries are struggling, and power and water failures already lead to frequent roadworks. Adding hundreds of homes without upgrades would make things worse.

Where exactly is the Hale Lane site (OT2)?

Behind the recreation ground, near the children’s play area and football pitches. Access is limited so developers suggest using Hale Lane (which involves demolishing the childrens play area) or possibly Knighton Road (which would involve the purchasing and demolishing of two or more homes), both of which would mean major disruption for many years.

When can residents have their say?

The Regulation 18 consultation runs from October 23rd to December 11th, 2025. During this period, you can comment online, on paper, or at local consultation events. Links to contact is here ->> https://www.sevenoaks.gov.uk/info/20069128/emerging_local_plan/861/local_plan_consultation_october_to_december_2025 

How do comment online?

Visit the Sevenoaks District Council website once the consultation opens. Our website will also have a clear link and instructions to make it easy to submit your feedback.

What should I say in my comment?

It is important to be polite and specific. We can all understand the important issue of building more houses but the impact building on top of protected Green Belt land, alongside the impact on the existing residents in Otford has to be considered. Mention issues like traffic, school places, healthcare, construction, and the loss of Green Belt space. Personal experiences and clear reasoning carry signifcant weight with such matters.

Who else can I contact?

You can also share your views with our SDC Councillor at Cllr.roy@sevenoaks.gov.uk, our local MP, Laura Trott (laura.trott.mp@parliament.uk), or the Otford Parish Council (clerk@otfordpc.co.uk). The more voices raised, the stronger our case.

Can I still make a difference?

Absolutely. The Local Plan is still in the consultation stage — this is exactly when resident feedback counts most. Every comment is reviewed and logged by the council. It is important residents make their opinions heard to protect the space in which we live.

How do I stay informed?

Sign up via our website to get updates by email. We’ll alert you when the council’s comment form opens, share example responses, and keep you posted on key deadlines.

What else can I do right now?

• Tell neighbours and friends about the consultation

• Share our website or leaflet

• Attend council events

• Contact local representatives

Small local actions add up quickly when everyone joins in.

How long will this process take?

The Regulation 18 consultation runs for 7 weeks this autumn (October 23rd to December 11th), followed by revisions and another round of feedback next year. Final decisions are not expected until 2026, so staying involved long-term matters.

What will construction mean for residents if it goes ahead?

The possibility of 7-8 years of construction if plans go ahead. That means large vehicles travelling through our narrow village roads, causing more traffic and danger to local residents.

What happens if the green belt is reclassified?

Once it’s gone, it’s almost impossible to bring back. Removing Green Belt status opens the door for more development in future years.