Issue - meetings

Report DRR14/065

Members considered the Council’s response to a consultation document produced by Sevenoaks District Council on the first stage of the preparation of its Gypsy and Traveller Plan.  The consultation asked neighbouring local authorities whether they were able to assist Sevenoaks District Council in meeting its identified need for Gypsy and Traveller pitches in the Sevenoaks District.

Two sites identified by Sevenoaks District Council were relevant to Bromley due to their proximity to the borough boundary.  These were located at land east of Knockholt Station and Holly Mobile Park, Hockenden Lane (east of the Swanley By Pass) 

As Bromley Council was currently producing its local plan and developing site allocations to meet the Borough’s own needs, it did not have sufficient capacity to additionally meet the needs of adjacent Boroughs.

The Chairman reported that it was encumbent upon Sevenoaks Council to let this Authority know their future plans and to request assistance from Bromley where possible.  Bromley would need to do the same next year and would likewise be approaching Sevenoaks Council.

The Chairman moved in favour of the recommendation; this was seconded by Councillor Auld.

Councillor Buttinger alluded to a particular area close to her Ward which Sevenoaks was looking to intensify (land east of Knockholt Station).  Whilst Councillor Buttinger understood Sevenoaks' predicament, it was of the utmost importance that Green Belt land remained protected. 

At the suggestion of Councillor Scoates it was agreed that the response to question 11 be reinforced by including the fact that the land in question was located within a recognised flood zone.

In response to a question from Councillor Fawthrop, the Chief Planner confirmed that the site at Hockenden Lane, Swanley  was currently a temporary site which Sevenoaks was hoping to make into a permanent site.

Councillor Bosshard requested that any maps or graphs included in future reports to the Committee, be more clearly defined.

RESOLVED that the proposed site options close to the Bromley boundary be noted and the responses to the consultation questions be endorsed, subject to the reinforcement of the response to question 11 to include the fact that the land near Knockholt Station was located within a recognised flood zone and a comment be added to the Hockenden Lane, Swanley site about restricting intensification.