Plans change for library, homes, market near Sevenoaks High Street after county council withdraws from project.
The council seeks a developer soon. They want someone by year’s end. The council studied the project a while and allocated £435,000 for it. The original plan included things like a hotel and new library.
An updated plan came after feedback. People had concerns about the plan. The library move worried some folks, and hotel location was also a worry. Accessibility and parking were issues.
Kent County Council changed its mind. The current library stays put now, but a new leisure center is still planned. It will have a gym and pool inside. A market hall will boost the area and will fit with markets already there. They happen on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
New public spaces are also included. A green path to Knole Park is set, and bus links will improve things. A drop-off area is also coming. New homes will have parking spaces.
The old Tesco site closed back in 2018. It already has permission for homes, and this impacts area redevelopment plans. Kent County Council’s decision mattered. Councillor Skinner thinks it is exciting, and says planning must be very careful.
Choices now affect the town’s layout and could impact things for centuries. There are plans to build on car parks, and he wants parking replacements understood. Minimizing car use is also a goal. Councillor Skinner wants people driving in to encourage other options.
He advocates walking and cycling to be supported. He says affordable housing is vital, and it should integrate inside this project. He is confident they can get it right. The town’s success requires this project working.
A council spokesperson gave details. The area could have 250-350 homes, and they modeled a scheme with 264. The project should fund itself too. Home income covers leisure center costs, and other improvements will benefit too.
Councillor Horwood said they are committed. Council wants to improve Sevenoaks, and they want better leisure options and culture. The town’s economy will improve. Residents’ feedback got considered, but Kent County Council is no longer involved.
The council believes the plan is viable and will offer significant benefits soon. A new leisure center is very important because the current one needs replacement urgently. They are seeking a development partner, and there is already interest in the plan.
A Kent County Council spokesperson spoke. They said they tried their very best, but it was not possible to get agreement. Their building remains fit for the job. They support the current library setup, and adult learning is changing direction as government changes impact curriculum.
The changes affect subjects offered, and they will use libraries and venues as Kent County Council will offer services there. The council is continuing land redevelopment. It will handle its land east of High Street. Kent County Council is open to partnerships and will consider collaboration later.
The council will review the plans soon. Meetings are set for March and April. Councillors vote in late April where they decide whether to seek a partner. This means putting the contract out, and they want a partner by year’s end. The partner works on designs in 2026 after which they seek planning permission.