Our Concerns

We

• scrutinise planning and development proposals and projects that have a material impact on the town and submit our comments and recommendations to the relevant planning bodies
• examine national and local planning policies, practices and decisions and respond with our own opinions where appropriate
• consider the overall impact on the town of planning applications, decisions and conditions
• liaise with and have representation on other bodies including the Sevenoaks Town Partnership and the Sevenoaks Conservation Council

 

 

 

Buildings

• help to record and protect our historic and other notable buildings and draw attention to any matters that might affect them
• raise awareness of our town’s architecture and built heritage
• recognise innovative design and construction that are in keeping with the character of the town and purpose of the development
• seek to influence action regarding empty buildings (including our shops), derelict sites, inappropriate trends and fragmented development

 

 

Landscape and Environment

• walk the network of traditional footpaths around the town and monitor rights of way to ensure they are kept open and free from obstacle
• organise monthly walks in the countryside around Sevenoaks, open to all
• help to record and protect notable trees and woodland in the town and its surroundings
• monitor developments that may have an adverse impact on the special character of the town’s landscape, natural surroundings and biodiversity

 

 

Traffic

• monitor the impact of traffic on the town and consider how traffic flow might be improved for the benefit of the community
• raise awareness of problems such as the effect of HGVs on our streets, and propose solutions

Photographs courtesy Liz Bradney

 

Talks and Special Events

• hold regular talks on local topics of interest, open to all
• mount exhibitions
• organise special events, such as visits to notable places and buildings

 

 

Publications and Publicity

• stock for sale various products including postcards, books, walk guides and films about the town
• help to publicise the attractions of the town, for example though our sponsorship of video screens

 

 

 

Archives and Records

• maintain a collection of 2500 photographs, postcards and other images of the town and district, from 1860 to the present day
• maintain a unique record and set of photographs of our remarkable trees
• establish a database of notable buildings within the town

 

 

Enquiries

• respond as best we can to enquiries about the town and its buildings, and to concerns raised by members or the public about planning and development issues.