22 May 2012People who are considering buying plots of land in the Green Belt for housing are being warned by Sevenoaks District Council that such sites are very unlikely to be granted planning permission.
The Council is aware that a number of large sites in the District have been and are still being offered for sale in individual plots. We are currently aware of plots on Green Belt sites on the borders of Chipstead, Dunton Green, Hextable and Ash. The Council has recently received new enquiries from the public about the site in Ash, which has been extended in size.
To ensure that the land is protected the Council has served 'Article 4' Directions on these sites restricting the activities that can normally be carried out without planning permission such as putting up fences, gates or walls, or improving any existing road or private way.
Nationally all Green Belt sites are protected by planning policies, which aim to prevent urban development by keeping the land permanently open, and as a consequence, they are extremely unlikely to get planning permission to be developed.
The Council recently updated its planning policies in the new Core Strategy. The evidence collected confirms that we can meet our housing requirements without releasing Green Belt land which will continue to be protected. The Core Strategy covers the period up to 2026.
Anyone thinking about buying a plot of land who would like more information about its status and the possibility of developing it, should call the Council on 01732 227000 and ask for the Duty Planner or e-mail planning.information@sevenoaks.gov.uk
