Frequently Asked Questions from the Consultation Feedback

We always retain existing trees, hedging and planting wherever possible. However, to ensure that the new junction is safe for all road users and pedestrians, we are proposing to remove a section of hedge to provide good visibility, in accordance with KCC Highway's requirements. To compensate, a natural species hedge will be replanted behind the visibility splay.

The proposed new road and its junction with School Lane will be designed to adoptable standards as set out by KCC Highways. The current proposals are based on real life traffic and speed data obtained from an automatic traffic counter recently installed in School Lane. We have also obtained and considered existing accident data for the area which was recorded over a five year period and includes the junction with the A20.

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.

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

As a rural specialist housing association, English Rural is aware that rural exception sites are located in sensitive rural areas and recognise the need to ensure that the design and build quality reflect the local vernacular. This is why we always seek comments and local feedback from the Parish Council and wider community, on the preliminary designs.

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.