The public has a chance now to comment on the planning policies which will shape the future of their district for nearly two decades.

Sevenoaks District Council has issued its draft Local Plan for what is known as a Regulation 18 consultation, the first part of the formal adoption process.

A view of Pedham Place, which is allocated for 2,500 homes

The plan is the council’s attempt to meet the government’s requirement that it build 17,175 new homes between 2017 and 2042 – an average of 1,145 every year.

It plans to do this by releasing a number of Greenbelt sites, now reclassified as Greybelt, including Pedham Place Golf Course near Swanley, earmarked for 2,500 homes, and land north of Sevenoaks and west of Otford Road, where 1,500 homes are proposed.

But the 328-page document contains far more than just housing allocations. There are policies proposed on everything from parking standards, to open spaces, and heritage to gypsy and traveller sites.

The consultation runs until midnight on Thursday, December 11.

A link to the draft local plan can be found here.

A number of greenfield sites, like this one at Hawthorn Park, are now considered fair game

There will be a number of pop-up sessions across the district, where residents can find out more, but people are encouraged to sign up for a session in advance as there will be limited walk-in availability on the day.

They are at:

Edenbridge WI Hall on Monday, November 10

West Kingsdown Village Hall on Tuesday, November 11

Eynsford Village Hall on Monday, November 17

Chiddingstone Causeway Hall on Tuesday, November 18

South Darenth Jubilee Hall on Thursday, November 20

Otford Memorial Hall on Tuesday, November 25

New Ash Green Youth Centre on Thursday, November 27

Sevenoaks District Council offices on Monday, December 8

To book your attendance, click here or call 01732 227000.

The district council said that failing to meet the government’s housing targets could lead to the Local Plan being refused by planning inspectors, which would leave the district open to piecemeal development, making it harder to ensure that the required level of infrastructure was provided.

The draft Local Plan includes policies protecting business space and high streets and the provision of new infrastructure such as schools, shops, health centres and improved local transport.

Consultation materials are available at local libraries, town and parish council offices, and the district council’s offices