Consultation on Draft Neighbourhood/Parish Priorities Statement 2026

/in News/by

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.

     

    Silver Sevenoaks District Programme

    /in News/by

    Sevenoaks District Council is running Sevenoaks District Programme with a packed calendar of events for older residents. There’s something for everyone and transport options to get you to the venues – from free NHS health checks to coffee mornings, music afternoons, seated exercise classes, aging well clinic, discounted golf, a free leisure pass, walking groups and lots more. Carers, friends and family members are welcome at all the activities.

    Open to all Sevenoaks District residents aged 55+.

    To view all of the Silver events see the attachments below or follow this link: Silver Sevenoaks District | Sevenoaks District Council

    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.

    HPC response to Regulation 19 SDC Local Plan

    /in News/by

    Halstead Parish Council have now submitted their response to SDC Local Plan after approval at Full Council on 14 September. You can view the documents in the attachments below.

    Toddler play area closed for repair

    /in News/by

    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 – Here for you leaflet

    /in News/by

    Water Infrastructure and New Development update July 2026 from KCC

    /in News/by

    Regulation 19 publication: Local Plan for Sevenoaks District Q&A’s and how to comment

    /in News/by

    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_FINAL.pdf%22

    What 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.

    Broke Hill Planning Application Documents

    /in News/by