Sevenoaks Society - Trinity School expansion

Trinity School has submitted a planning application to permit the school to expand its capacity so that it can take in an additional two forms at entry over, and above its current numbers. We have no objection to the expansion proposals but we do have concerns about the transport implications.

After the proposals are implemented and both Trinity and Weald of Kent are at capacity in 2023/4 the total number of pupils on the campus would number 2,400 whereas the number currently on site is 780 ie just less than one third. We asked that there be a condition attaching to the planning permission requiring the school to produce a green transport plan which would promote walking, cycling and use of public transport; restrict car borne arrivals to all but essential cases and ensure effective staggering of hours within Trinity and between Trinity and Weald of Kent.

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.