Policy information sourced from Sevenoaks Core Strategy

LO 7 Development in Rural Settlements

Between all the settlements, provision will be made for a total of approximately 1,160 dwellings (2006-2026) on a range of sites suitable for residential use.

Within the settlement confines of New Ash Green, Otford and Westerham development on a modest scale will be permitted where it can take place in an acceptable manner consistent with local character. In New Ash Green the village centre will be regenerated so that it better meets the needs of the local community whilst respecting the distinctive character of the settlement.

Within the settlement confines of Brasted, Crockenhill, Eynsford, Farningham, Halstead, Hartley, Hextable, Horton Kirby, Kemsing, Knockholt Pound, Leigh, Seal, Sevenoaks Weald, Shoreham, South Darenth, Sundridge and West Kingsdown infilling and redevelopment on a small scale only will be permitted taking account of the limited scope for development to take place in an acceptable manner and the limited range of services and facilities available.

Within all the settlements covered by this policy new development should be of a scale and nature appropriate to the village concerned and should respond to the distinctive local characteristics of the area in which it is situated.

The loss from rural settlements of services and facilities that serve the local community will be resisted where possible. Exceptions will be made where equivalent replacement facilities are provided equally accessible to the population served, or where it is demonstrated, through evidence submitted to the Council, that the continued operation of the service or facility is no longer financially viable. The Council will support and encourage innovative proposals to improve provision of services and facilities to serve the local community, subject to any development being of a scale and character appropriate to the area.

Existing suitable employment sites will be retained with the opportunity for regeneration and redevelopment to better meet the needs of business.

The Council will work with service providers to maintain and where possible improve rural transport services, so that the accessibility of rural communities is maintained.

For more information please see the Core Strategy