Heathlands Garden Settlement SPD

Object

Representation ID: 737

Received: 15/12/2025

Respondent: Mr sean turner

Recent FOI admissions from MBC confirms this authority does not consider 5yr residency or employment when calculating a Local need.
Also, further confirmations ref 0346 illustrate an average of 5000 empty homes within the Borough,
This creates an implication of no actual Local Need as per NPPF section 60/61

Even though this strategic Heathlands Development cleared the Local Plan process back in 2017, it's based on a Political target,
So any additional planning guidance becomes void.

Objection noted.
The SPD takes forward the requirements of the Local Plan Review which considered matters related to overall housing need and supply, and identified and allocated the Heathlands Garden Settlement to address future needs.
The SPD sets out a range of principles & guidelines, infrastructure and phasing requirements and Officers consider this provides an appropriate level of detail at this stage in the planning process.

Object

Representation ID: 738

Received: 15/12/2025

Respondent: Mr sean turner

Without a clear explanation, these Garden Settlements appear to be based on the Low Traffic Neighbourhood and 15-minute walkable city concepts. I do not agree that reducing residents' transport freedoms is justified. This is not presented within the correct key issues

Objection noted.
The SPD sets out principles and guidelines relating to 'Movement & Connectivity' (6.11) to promote active travel and to establish sustainable travel principles from the outset.
The SPD promotes choice of transport and does not reduce individual choice.

Comment

Representation ID: 739

Received: 15/12/2025

Respondent: Mr sean turner

as per last answer

Comment noted.

Object

Representation ID: 740

Received: 15/12/2025

Respondent: Mr sean turner

NO

Objection noted.

Comment

Representation ID: 741

Received: 15/12/2025

Respondent: Mr sean turner

Be more realistic with residents

Comment noted.

Object

Representation ID: 742

Received: 15/12/2025

Respondent: Mr sean turner

the whole development is marketed for individuals from outside the Borough

Objection noted.
The SPD takes forward the requirements of the Local Plan Review which considered matters related to overall local housing need and supply, and identified and allocated the Heathlands Garden Settlement to address future needs.

Object

Representation ID: 743

Received: 15/12/2025

Respondent: Mr sean turner

A proposal to build a new rail station at Lenham Heath is noted. Heritage and supporting the independent high street businesses are important to me; the current Lenham village will be left without fast transfer transport connections. So a reliance on the Car will continue.

Objection noted.
The SPD takes forward the requirements of Policy LPRSP4(A) of the Local Plan Review which established the necessary scope of infrastructure for the site. This includes various aspects including the rail station, improved bus services, and the creation of new jobs.

Object

Representation ID: 745

Received: 15/12/2025

Respondent: Mr sean turner

These planning principles have been embedded in support of the MBC 2019 Climate declaration.
EIR 0347 response confirms this declaration is a voluntary non-statutory requirement, so it has no baseline in planning law

Objection noted.
The SPD sets out a broad planning context at Chapter 2 and has been prepared in accordance with adopted national and local policy.

Comment

Representation ID: 746

Received: 15/12/2025

Respondent: Mr sean turner

None

Comment noted.

Comment

Representation ID: 747

Received: 15/12/2025

Respondent: Mr sean turner

No

Comment noted.