Halstead Protest
160 people, including 26 from Halstead marched on SDC on Tuesday 30 June to protest about the proposed loss of Green Belt Land in Sevenoaks
Now hiring – Deputy Parish Clerk
Looking for an opportunity to work locally?
HPC are recruiting for a Deputy Parish Clerk to work part time, 10-12 hours per week based at home and in our buildings around the Parish.
We are looking for someone to support the Clerk with compliance activities, managing our Parish Room, Pavilion, Allotments and Recreation Ground, meeting residents, getting involved and supporting our local community.
The salary range is between £15.06 – £15.82 per hour (due for review in 2026-7 national pay review) and dependant on relevant experience and qualifications.
To set up an informal chat contact us at: clerk@halsteadparishcouncil.gov.uk
Closing date for applications: 15 September 2026
Interview date: 23rd September 2026
Halstead Parish Priorities Community Questionnaire
Dear Halstead resident,
This questionnaire seeks your views to help shape the Halstead Parish Priorities Statement. This will guide future development so that it respects the character, heritage, and landscape of our parish. Your input is essential. Please complete one questionnaire per person, not per household. Younger residents are welcome to contribute. Any personal data you provide, such as your email address, will be kept confidential and handled in accordance with UK GDPR.
It would be easier for us if you would please complete the questionnaire below, but you can deliver a completed paper version to the post box at The Parish Room, Church Road, Halstead, TN14 7HG.
Family Fundays 2026
Sevenoaks District Council Family Fun Days 2026
Sevenoaks District Council’s free Family Fun Days are back for the school summer holidays, with crafts, games, sports, face painting and more in a friendly and safe environment.
There is no need to book – simply turn up and have fun. Children must be supervised by a parent or guardian at all times. Activities are aimed at children under 12, although they may not be suitable for very young children.
Please bring waterproof clothing and sunscreen. Refreshments and toilets are available at some locations where indicated. The schedule may change in wet weather, so please check before travelling.
Family Fun Day dates and locations
| Date | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Monday 27 July | 10.30am to 1.30pm | Chevening – Chipstead Recreation Ground, Chevening Road, Chipstead TN13 2SA |
| Tuesday 28 July | 10.30am to 1.30pm | Hextable – Hextable Heritage Centre, College Road, BR8 7LT |
| Wednesday 29 July | 10.30am to 1.30pm | Farningham – Market Meadow, High Street, Farningham DA4 0DH |
| Thursday 30 July | 10.30am to 1.30pm | Dunton Green – Dunton Green Recreation Ground, TN13 2UR |
| Friday 31 July | 10.30am to 1.30pm | Crockenhill – Crockenhill Village Hall, Stones Cross Road, Crockenhill BR8 8LT |
| Monday 3 August | 10.30am to 1.30pm | West Kingsdown – Gamecock Meadow, London Road, TN15 6BZ |
| Tuesday 4 August | 10.30am to 1.30pm | Sevenoaks – Greatness Recreation Ground, Mill Lane, TN14 5BX |
| Wednesday 5 August | 10.30am to 1.30pm | Swanley – Swanley Park, New Barn Road, BR8 7PW |
| Thursday 6 August | 2pm to 5pm | Edenbridge – Stangrove Park, TN8 5LU |
| Friday 7 August | 10.30am to 1.30pm | Chiddingstone – Chiddingstone Causeway Sports Field, Tonbridge Road, TN11 8JS |
| Monday 10 August | 10.30am to 1.30pm | Seal – Seal Recreation Ground, High Street, TN15 0AF |
| Tuesday 11 August | 10.30am to 1.30pm | Hartley – Woodland Avenue Recreation Ground, Woodland Avenue, DA3 7DB |
| Wednesday 12 August | 1.30pm to 4pm | Knockholt – Knockholt Recreation Ground, Main Road, Knockholt TN14 7LG |
| Thursday 13 August | 10am to 1pm | Westerham – King Georges Playing Field, Costells Meadow, Westerham TN16 1BN |
| Friday 14 August | 10.30am to 1.30pm | Halstead – The Pavilion & Recreation Ground, Station Road, Halstead, Sevenoaks TN14 7DH |
| Monday 17 August | 10.30am to 1.30pm | Sundridge – Sundridge Recreation Ground, Main Road, Sundridge TN14 6EJ |
| Tuesday 18 August | 10.30am to 1.30pm | New Ash Green – The Minnis, DA3 8HH |
| Wednesday 19 August | 10.30am to 1.30pm | Shoreham – Shoreham Recreation Ground, High Street, Shoreham, Sevenoaks TN14 7TB |
| Thursday 20 August | 10.30am to 1.30pm | Horton Kirby & South Darenth – Heathside Recreation Ground, South Darenth DA4 9AZ |
| Friday 21 August | 10.30am to 1.30pm | Leigh – The Green, TN11 8QP |
Other summer activities
Edenbridge Town Council activities
Activities take place at Stangrove Park, Edenbridge on Thursday 30 July, Thursday 6 August, Thursday 13 August and Thursday 20 August, all from 2pm to 5pm.
Swanley Family Hub Fun Day
Friday 21 August, 10.30am to 2.30pm at Swanley Family Hub, St Mary’s Road, Swanley BR8 7BU.
More information
For more information, contact Sevenoaks District Council:
- Telephone: 01732 227000
- Email: communities@sevenoaks.gov.uk
- Website: www.sevenoaks.gov.uk/familyfundays
A new local Plan for Sevenoaks District
A new local Plan for Sevenoaks District – Regulation 18 Consultation (October 2025)
The Regulation 18 consultation on the new Local Plan for Sevenoaks District is now open and will run for 7 weeks until 11.59pm on Thursday 11 December 2025.
You can view and comment on the Regulation 18 consultation document at www.sevenoaks.gov.uk/
Hard copies of the document will also be available at the Sevenoaks District Council offices, at all libraries across the District and at each Town and Parish Council, throughout the consultation period. Comments on the consultation documents can be made as follows:
- Online at www.sevenoaks.gov.uk/
emerginglocalplan; or - By post to The Strategic Planning Team, Sevenoaks District Council, Council Offices, Argyle Road, Sevenoaks, TN13 1HG, using our downloadable questionnaire.
Responses to the consultation, particularly from organisations, are expected to be made directly to the online consultation survey, available at the link above. If respondents are unable to access the online survey, we will continue to accept email and postal responses in these circumstances.
The closing date for comments is 11.59pm on Thursday 11 December 2025.
Where can I find out more?
To support community engagement, the Council will be hosting a series of ‘pop-up’ sessions across the District. These sessions will provide an opportunity for residents to speak directly with officers from the Strategic Planning Team and learn more about the Local Plan.
Please note: due to resource and venue capacity, attendees are requested to sign up for a session in advance, at www.sevenoaks.gov.uk/
The ’pop-up’ sessions will be held on:
· Wednesday 29 October 2025 (1-hour sessions at 4, 5.30 and 7pm)
Sevenoaks District Council offices, Argyle Road, Sevenoaks, TN13 1HG
· Wednesday 5 November 2025 (1-hour sessions at 4, 5.30 and 7pm)
White Oak Leisure Centre, Hilda May Avenue, Swanley, BR8 7BT
· Monday 10 November 2025 (1-hour sessions at 4, 5.30 and 7pm)
Edenbridge WI Village Hall, The Main Hall, Station Road, Edenbridge, TN8 5LX
· Tuesday 11 November 2025 (1-hour sessions at 4, 5.30 and 7pm)
West Kingsdown Village Hall, London Road, West Kingsdown, TN15 6BZ
· Monday 17 November 2025 (1-hour sessions at 4, 5.30 and 7pm)
Eynsford Village Hall, High Street, Eynsford, DA4 0AA
· Tuesday 18 November 2025 (1-hour sessions at 4, 5.30 and 7pm)
The Causeway Hall, Tonbridge Road, Chiddingstone Causeway, Kent, TN11 8JS
· Thursday 20 November 2025 (1-hour sessions at 4, 5.30 and 7pm)
Jubilee Hall, The Village Hall, Horton Road, South Darenth, DA4 9AZ
· Tuesday 25 November 2025 (1-hour sessions at 4, 5.30 and 7pm)
Otford Village Memorial Hall, 28 High Street, Sevenoaks, TN14 5PQ
· Thursday 27 November 2025 (1-hour sessions at 4, 5.30 and 7pm)
New Ash Green Youth Centre, Ash Road, New Ash Green, DA3 8JY
· Monday 8 December 2025 (1-hour sessions at 4, 5.30 and 7pm)
Sevenoaks District Council offices, Argyle Road, Sevenoaks, TN13 1HG
We hope you will participate in the consultation process.
Should you have any queries regarding the nature of the consultation, please do not hesitate to contact the Strategic Planning team on 01732 227000 or by email at planning.policy@sevenoaks.gov.
Kind regards
The Strategic Planning Team
Sevenoaks District Council
Silver Sunday is back!
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.
Community Grant Scheme 2026/27 from Sevenoaks District Council
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.
Celebrate the 80th anniversary of VE DAY
Join us from 6pm on Thursday 8th May at Halstead Recreation Ground to celebrate the 80th anniversary of VE DAY.
Dress up in your favourite Red, White and Blue and let’s party like it’s 1945!
- Fish & Chips
- Ice Cream
- Refreshments
- Music & Singing
- Beer Tent
- VE Day Exhibit
- WW2 Vehicles
- Quiz for adults and children
- Prizes
At 9:30pm, we will be joining communities across the UK and Overseas Territories for the lighting of the beacon