Policy information sourced from Sevenoaks Allocations and Development Management Plan

GI 2 - Loss of Open Space

Change of use or redevelopment of Green Infrastructure, Open Space, Sport or Recreation sites within the urban confines of towns and villages, as defined on the policies map, and redundant school playing fields will not be permitted unless the applicant demonstrates that:

  • the open space is surplus to requirements; and that there is no need for an appropriate alternative community, sports or recreational use, or
  • the loss will be mitigated by equivalent replacement provision (in terms of quality, quantity and accessibility) or
  • the development is for alternative sports/recreational use.

Supporting development will be permitted where it is appropriate and ancillary to the use of the site as a community playing field or sports pitch.

There should be no significant adverse impact on the character of the local environment and any potential loss of biodiversity interests should be mitigated.

Proposals for built development on redundant school playing fields in the Green Belt, other than for essential facilities for outside sport and recreation will be refused.

For more information please see the Allocations and Development Management Plan