Published: Monday, 2nd June 2025
Residents and businesses are being asked for their views on early plans for a walking, wheeling and cycling route between Otford and Sevenoaks.
The proposed two-mile path will provide walkers, wheelers (people on scooters, parents with prams and wheelchair users) and bike riders with a route from the centre of Otford to Bat & Ball in Sevenoaks. It will link shops, local attractions, facilities and two railway stations. The route is part of a wider aim to improve active travel links between Otford and Sevenoaks town centre.
It will offer safer journey opportunities for residents to exercise, benefitting their health, while improving air quality and helping to cut the District’s carbon footprint. It is hoped the route will take some cars off the road, especially at busy school times, helping to reduce traffic congestion, so there’s something for everyone.
The route is part of Sevenoaks District Council’s ambition to create a network of safe walking and cycling routes across the District and will complement the Sevenoaks East to West route, which is currently being constructed.
These improvements are being largely funded by the UK Government in order to support walking, wheeling and cycling as the preferred choice for everyone to get around.
As part of the consultation, local people can view and comment on outline designs for the route.
The survey will be available at www.sevenoaks.gov.uk/wwc from 6 June and will remain open until midnight on Friday 18 July 2025.
Local people can also find out more and have their say at two drop-in sessions:
- Tuesday 17 June, 2pm to 5pm at Otford Village Memorial Hall
- Monday 7 July, 5pm to 8pm at the Luggage Room, Bat and Ball rail station.
The survey results will be used to help draw up detailed designs and to bid for central Government funding to construct the route. If the project goes ahead, it will be delivered in partnership with Kent County Council.
Cllr Irene Roy, the Council’s Cabinet Member for Cleaner and Greener, says: “Providing our residents with safe, sustainable forms of travel is a top priority and forms part of our commitment to tackle climate change.
“We know that transport is one of the biggest contributors to carbon emissions. “While it’s not possible to complete every journey on a bicycle or on foot, with better facilities, more of us could leave the car at home, especially for shorter journeys.
“To help us develop this new and exciting route, we want to hear residents’ views on our early ideas while tapping into their local knowledge.”
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