The National Trust recently brought forward proposals to improve the surfacing, layout and drainage of the car parking area in front of Knole House. The Society has been pressing SDC and the National Trust to investigate alternative access and parking arrangements for Knole House. As visitor numbers increase the current access arrangements along Knole Lane become increasingly unsustainable, particularly at peak visitor times. The Director General of the National Trust has now proposed a meeting of all the interested parties at which the Sevenoaks Society will be represented.
Knole House Car Parking
The Society is often approached by local residents or their Associations and other concerned bodies and persons regarding proposed developments affecting private residences. In responding, we use a number of criteria to determine whether it is appropriate to act. We may do so for example where we believe there is a public interest concern, or the proposal involves inappropriate or over-development, the alteration or demolition of an important building, or undesirable “garden-grabbing”. As with all schemes, we will also consider whether the proposed design is consistent with the character of the area, notable trees and open spaces may be affected, or there are significant traffic implications.The Society is monitoring several other applications and schemes including the Railway and Bicycle building by the station, completed in 2013. It is regrettable that the design and scale of this edifice was ever approved; it hardly graces this important approach to the town and some of the residential and commercial premises remain empty.
