Frequently Asked Questions from the Consultation Feedback

To ensure the homes remain affordable for local people in perpetuity, local needs housing is built on Rural Exception Sites. This is land that wouldn’t usually gain planning approval for housing, however the Rural Exception Site planning policy permits such development, provided the homes meet the in-perpetuity/ local connection criteria. Therefore, in the Sevenoaks district such sites will inevitably be in Green Belt. It is not possible to restrict affordable housing built on brownfield sites to local people in perpetuity.

The proposed affordable homes will be let to local people who meet the local lettings criteria. Rent will be set at an affordable level, considerably below open market rent costs. The affordable homes will never be sold on the open market and we enter into a legal agreement with the local Planning Authority to ensure they are protected for future generations of local people.

As part of the planning application process, Sevenoaks DC will require the submission of reports and surveys that establishes what flora and fauna exists on the site and how this may be protected and enhanced. Existing planting will be retained wherever possible. The proposal includes retaining a large area of the site as open space that will not be intensively managed.

Parking provision will exceed that required by Kent County Council Highway policy, all homes are being provided with a minimum of two parking spaces. In addition, English Rural provided secure cycle parking to all our affordable homes to reduce vehicle trips and encourage healthier forms of travel.

We recognise that building work can create some noise and disruption at times, but we aim to keep this to an absolute minimum. Any granting of planning permission will normally include a condition that strict working hours must be adhered to. We expect any appointed building contractor to be courteous and understanding throughout the construction process and to communicate amiably with neighbours prior to and during the construction process.