Consultation on Draft Neighbourhood/Parish Priorities Statement 2026

Following a phenomenal response from residents of Halstead to the Neighbourhood Priorities Survey/Questionnaire, please see the Draft report which HPC are consulting with residents between 12th October and 9th November 2026.

Those who work locally or conduct business in Halstead can comment prior to being accepted by Sevenoaks District Council as final version. Please see the draft report here:

HPC NPS_2026 (opens in a new tab)

PDF, 246 KB Opens in a new tab

Please use the form below to respond, note that you do not have to make comment on all sections.

    About you / your organisation


    How to respond

    For each section, please indicate your overall level of support and provide any comments, evidence or local knowledge you consider relevant. Where you suggest a change, please identify the relevant NPPS section, paragraph or wording where possible and explain the reason for the amendment.

    You do not need to comment on every question.


    1. Overall vision and priorities

    The draft identifies three overarching priorities: protecting Halstead's rural character and Green Belt setting; supporting only limited, small-scale and sensitively designed development where locally needed; and improving infrastructure and community wellbeing.

    Overall response to this section


    2. Development and management of land

    The draft favours no large-scale village expansion, with any development limited and focused on the existing built form. It identifies the Green Belt, ancient woodland, hedgerows, trees, communal open spaces, important approaches/views and rural farmland as areas of particular importance.

    Overall response to this section


    3. Housing

    The draft says any additional housing should be modest, locally justified and carefully located. Where housing is supported, it identifies smaller homes, accessible accommodation, affordable homes, bungalows, terraces and limited semi-detached housing as potential local needs.

    Overall response to this section


    4. Design and local character

    The draft highlights the rural approaches, Conservation Area, Church Road and village centre, recreation ground, Southdene Green, old Village Green, paddocks/farmland, hedgerows and tree-lined lanes. It also identifies locally responsive materials and the retention of Halstead's dark village character with no street lighting.

    Overall response to this section


    5. Natural environment and public spaces

    Priorities include protecting and connecting ancient woodland, woodland shaws, hedgerows, trees, old orchards, green corridors and public green spaces; and improving public spaces while retaining their informal rural character.

    Overall response to this section


    6. Local services, businesses and community facilities

    The draft identifies interest in protecting or restoring valued local services, including a Post Office, pub, cafe/tea room and health-related provision, as well as supporting home working through reliable internet and mobile connectivity.

    Overall response to this section


    7. Infrastructure, transport and active travel

    The draft prioritises traffic speed and parking management, safe walking and cycling links, possible additional Public Rights of Way, bus access, nearby rail access, utilities, digital connectivity and the capacity of health, education, transport and other services.

    Overall response to this section


    8. Other comments


    Specific proposed amendment

    If you are proposing a particular change to the draft NPPS, please provide the details below.


    Overall consultation response

    Overall, do you consider the draft NPPS provides an appropriate statement of priorities for Halstead?


    Data protection

    Information submitted through this form will be used by Halstead Parish Council to administer and report on the Parish Neighbourhood Priorities Statement consultation. Responses submitted online will be stored securely within the Parish Council's website database and may also be sent to the Parish Clerk by email.

    Personal contact information will not be published. Consultation comments may be summarised or quoted in consultation reporting. Information held by the Council may be subject to requests under the Freedom of Information Act 2000. Please clearly identify any information you consider sensitive and explain why you believe it should not be disclosed.

    Consultation closing date: 9 November 2026 at 5pm.