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