Halstead Parish Council have closed the toddler playground while it awaits repair.
Please do not pass the cordon barrier or use the equipment in the toddler section.
We are sorry for the inconvenience but this is in the interest of Health and Safety.
Sevenoaks District Council are visiting three town centres in September 2026 to help you get ready for your new wheelie bin collection service.
Come along to ask questions and find out what goes in your new bins.
You can also pick up a free roll of food waste caddy liners (subject to availability).
You can find them at:
Edenbridge – outside Waitrose
Saturday 19 September 2026, 10am to 2pm
Swanley Market – by the southern entrance to Asda
Wednesday 23 September 2026, 10am to 2pm
Sevenoaks – Blighs clock tower
Saturday 26 September 2026, 10am to 2pm
Please refer to these rules when submitting any comment or representation in your response to the Local Plan/Regulation 19 – see the link in attachments below. Thank you.
To support understanding of the potential impact of Regulation 19 on Halstead, please see the link below in attachments to the presentation given at the Public meeting on 1st September in the Village Hall.
Local Plan – Regulation 19 Publication
Questions and Answers – July 2026
You can download the full document from Sevenoaks District Council via this link:
Local Plan Regulation 19 Questions and Answers | Sevenoaks District Council
QandAs_June_2026_FINALWhat has the Council agreed so far?
The Council has agreed (at a Cabinet meeting on 7 July 2026) to publish the final draft
version of the Plan. This is known as the Regulation 19 Local Plan, and the publication
period will run until 17 September. The Plan and all the Regulation 19 responses will
then be considered by Full Council in December 2026, to agree the submission for
examination by Government.
How can I comment on the Regulation 19 Plan?
We are publishing the final draft of the Local Plan (known as the Regulation 19 Local Plan) for eight weeks from 23 July until 17 September 2026.
You can take part:
• Online at www.sevenoaks.gov.uk/emerginglocalplan
• By completing a paper survey available from local libraries, town or parish council offices and the Sevenoaks District Council offices
• By emailing us at planning.policy@sevenoaks.gov.uk
If you are interested in taking part and would like to be updated on Local Plan news,
sign up to Sevenoaks District Council mailing list.
I’ve already commented on the Local Plan at the last consultation, why should I
comment again?
Any comments submitted at Regulation 19 are sent straight to the Planning Inspector,
so this is your chance to have direct involvement in the examination. If you want to
request to participate in the examination hearings, you need to respond at this stage.
What can I comment on at this Regulation 19 stage?
The Regulation 19 survey asks a series of set questions about whether the plan is
‘sound’ and legally compliant and what modifications are required.
The tests of soundness, against which the Inspector will examine the plan, are:
a) Positively prepared – e.g. does the Plan provide a strategy which meets the
District’s need?
b) Justified – e.g. is it an appropriate, evidence-based strategy?
c) Effective – e.g. are the sites and policies deliverable?
d) Consistent with national policy – e.g. is it consistent with the NPPF?
You can also comment on sites, policies and supporting evidence.
Sevenoaks District Council is running ‘Silver Sunday’ which returns this year with a packed calendar of events for older residents. There’s something for everyone – from free NHS health checks to coffee mornings, swimming to walking groups and lots more. Carers, friends and family members are welcome at all the activities.
Events include the Silver Sunday Fair at New Ash Green Village Hall on Friday 3 October from 10am to 1pm. Older people are invited to this free event for information and advice about local services, support, hobbies and activities.
The ever popular ‘Silver Bells’ Christmas Parties return at The Eden Centre on Thursday 4th December and West Kingsdown Village Hall on Thursday 11th December 2025. Both run from 12pm to 2pm. The free festive events include a buffet, music, dancing, games and more! Open to all Sevenoaks District residents aged 55+.
To view all of the Silver Sunday events, go to www.sevenoaks.gov.uk/silversunday.
Alternatively, to request a Silver Sunday programme, please email communities@sevenoaks.gov.uk or call 01732 227000.
Silver Sunday started over a decade ago with a simple tea dance for older people. Within a few short years, it has transformed into a national campaign to celebrate the contribution of the over 50s while promoting social activities and bringing generations together.
The Sevenoaks District Council Community Grant Scheme returns this September, inviting voluntary groups and charitable organisations to apply for grants of up to £5,000. The funding is to support projects that improve the health and wellbeing of residents across the Sevenoaks District. Applications open on Wednesday 3 September 2025 and close on Monday 6 October 2025 at 12 noon.
To find out more, please search ‘Sevenoaks District Council Community Grant Scheme’ or email grants@sevenoaks.gov.uk.
