Residents in Swanley gathered on November 21, 2023, to protest plans for the development of housing on green belt land located behind Hawthorn Park. Approximately 80 local residents assembled at the Archer Way Playing Field to voice their opposition to the construction of hundreds of new homes, which they believe will jeopardize the area’s natural beauty and increase pressure on local infrastructure.
The protest comes in response to a petition launched earlier this month, where campaigners expressed concerns that the development would “destroy” a cherished green space, contribute to traffic congestion, and disrupt local wildlife habitats. The government’s revised planning policy has classified large areas of farmland as “grey belt” land, which allows for increased housing development in a bid to meet rising housing demands.
In September 2023, Sevenoaks District Council announced plans to build over 17,000 homes across the district in response to new housing targets set by the government. While the council has stated that it aims to protect the “overwhelming majority” of the green belt, residents are concerned about the long-term implications of the proposed developments.
Dannielle Davis, a long-time resident of Hawthorn Park, expressed her distress at the potential loss of green space. “To build on the plot would be devastating,” she said. The mother and former teacher highlighted the personal significance of the field, recalling fond memories of early mornings spent watching sunrises and walking her dog. “We call it Honey’s field. Losing this area would mean losing part of our identity and community,” she added.
The land in question is currently used for agriculture, with crops such as coriander and spring onions being cultivated and supplied to supermarkets across the UK. The potential loss of this arable land raises further concerns about food production and sustainability in the area. With Sevenoaks lacking a local plan, the council has limited authority over how and where developments proceed.
Local government officials are also addressing these concerns. Michael Horwood, a Conservative councillor and leader of the Swanley Town Council, noted the challenges posed by the government’s increased housing targets. “We had to redo the local plan due to the government’s planning inspector rejecting our previous submission,” he explained. “The housing targets have jumped from 10,000 to 17,000.”
Some residents argue that the types of housing proposed do not align with the actual needs of the community. Robert Brickell, a retired electrical design engineer, voiced his skepticism regarding the affordability of new homes. “There is a shortage of housing, but the new developments are not what we consider affordable,” he stated, pointing out that affordable housing is often defined as 80 percent of market rents, which remains out of reach for many.
The protest has attracted the attention of local politicians, including Laura Trott, the Member of Parliament for Sevenoaks, who attended the gathering to show her support. Although she declined to comment further, she expressed empathy for the residents, stating, “I am so sorry that this is happening to you.”
A spokesperson for Sevenoaks District Council clarified that the increase in housing numbers is mandated by the government. “After reviewing over 500 sites submitted by landowners, we have included around 100 in the draft Local Plan,” they explained. This includes sites that now fall under the government’s new “grey belt” definition, introduced in December 2024.
The Local Plan aims not only to provide much-needed housing, including affordable options, but also to bolster the local economy by preserving business spaces and enhancing infrastructure such as schools and health centres. The council asserts that it will continue to safeguard the majority of the green belt and maintain the district’s unique character.
As residents continue to voice their concerns, the future of Hawthorn Park and the surrounding green spaces remains uncertain. The ongoing dialogue between the community and local government will be crucial in shaping the development landscape in Swanley.
