No Hartley Expansion group plans to fight 'diabolical' homes plan

The proposal for the village of Hartley would go some way towards the 14,000 new homes Sevenoaks Council has been told by the Government are needed in response to the UK’s housing crisis.

But as the consultation meetings for the plans approach, a group of residents have come together to raise their objections.

Howard Bonner, one of the founders of the No Hartley Expansion group, told News Shopper the plans would seriously affect people living in the area.

“We are primarily a rural community. We do not have the infrastructure for it,” he said, adding that health and education services in the area are already under pressure.

He also stressed the need to tell people about the plans and make sure they are given a chance to air their opinions.

“Our first object is awareness. We want everyone to know what is proposed.”

An aerial image of the area due to be developed in proposals

Developer Billings Group insists it is aware of the concerns of residents and wants to make sure they are addressed.

A spokesman for the company said: “We are working closely with local education and medical providers as well as Kent County Council to ensure that any new development provides new infrastructure for future generations as well as significantly improving existing facilities for the benefit of local people.”

He added a replacement school, new sports and community centres, health centres and a retirement village are included in the proposals.

According to Billings, the development will also provide jobs and spaces for businesses.

Despite these promises, the No Hartley Expansion group has insisted any new development of the village would be “disastrous” and “a tragic loss of greenbelt land”.

The group has called on Sevenoaks Council to recognise its “duty of care” to the community.

Hartley residents are concerned about the village's green spaces. Photo: Google Maps

A council spokesman explained the borough’s Local Plan has prioritised urban land for further development, but also had to consider some greenbelt sites.

He said: “The Government has told us we must plan for nearly 14,000 new homes in the district to meet our future housing and infrastructure needs up to 2035.

“To help achieve this, landowners have been invited to put forward sites for new housing, schools and other infrastructure and we are consulting on the most suitable sites.

“We are asking residents from across the district to give us their views on these proposals."

The consultation is open until September 10 and residents can have their say at www.sevenoaks.gov.uk/draftlocalplan

People are also asked to give their views on the proposals at consultation meetings on July 31 and August 2 at All Saints Church Centre in Hartley from 2pm until 8pm.