Views sought on new Business Park for Sevenoaks

Former recycling centre could be redeveloped

Sevenoaks District Council is keen to hear residents’ views on its early ideas for a small business park on Otford Road, Sevenoaks to support the local economy.

Residents can view and comment on the proposals at an exhibition at Bat and Ball Railway Station (TN14 5AP) from 9am to 5pm on Saturday 14 September 2024.

The Otford Road site is currently used to store waste bins. Previously it was a Kent County Council household waste recycling centre (also known as the tip).

The site was used for many years by our waste collection teams to store equipment and has been extensively built on; there are a number of buildings and most of the remaining area has been tarmacked over.

However, in recent years, it has been underused. The Council wants to put the site into better use to support the local economy and communities.

The business park would include four, small industrial units with a drive through. These would bring much needed business space, creating new jobs and benefitting local people. The Council has already had interest from businesses keen to take space at the site.

Energy saving features form part of the proposal with solar panels and low carbon heating, electric vehicle charging points and cycle shelters.

The finished units would remain in the Council’s ownership and would be leased out.

The community can also view and comment on the proposals from 14 September to 6 October 2024 online at www.sevenoaks.gov.uk/businesspark.

Once the Council has considered the comments, it will review the plans. The Council intends to submit a planning application over the winter.

Cllr Michael Horwood, Sevenoaks District Council’s Cabinet Member for Innovation and Improvement, says:

“We know from speaking with businesses, and from our Local Plan studies, there is a desperate need for more light industrial business space in the District.

“Our proposal is a win-win for everyone. We will regenerate already developed but underused land, providing jobs for local people. We will also get a long-term rental income, helping to support the important services we provide to our communities.

“But before we move forward, we want to hear what our communities have to say.

More from WEST KENT NEWS

  • Huge Queues at Primark

    Primark has opened its brand new store in Tunbridge Wells with hundreds of enthusiastic shoppers queuing to be the first through the door at 10am.

  • Boil Water Notice Lifted

    South East Water announced at 3pm on Friday that its instruction to boil tap water before use had been lifted for customers in Tunbridge Wells.

  • World Record Achieved in Tonbridge

    A tug of war involving 500 children from the Tonbridge Juniors Football Club has just been certified as an official Guinness world record.

  • Water crisis may cost firms £20m

    Businesses in Tunbridge Wells are calling on shoppers and local residents to support them in the run up to the festive season.

  • MP Calls For £18million Fund

    The MP for Tunbridge Wells, Mike Martin, has written to the Water Minister calling for Covid-style emergency cash for local businesses who've suffered through the town's water crisis.

  • Tonbridge MP 1974-2015 Has Died

    Tributes have been paid to the former Member of Parliament for Tonbridge and Malling, Sir John Stanley, who's died aged 83 after illness.

  • St Mark's Field: Developer's Plans

    The developer Esquire has submitted a planning application to reclassify St Mark's recreation ground as a "Biodiversity Enhancement area."

  • Torrington Car Park Development

    A colossal town centre multi-storey car park in Tunbridge Wells could be reworked into homes and businesses.

On Air Now Liz Batham 10:00am - Noon
Now Playing
Underneath The Tree Kelly Clarkson
Recently Played
  • Events Guide West Kent Radio 11:20
  • All I Want For Christmas Is You Mariah Carey 11:16
  • Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree Brenda Lee 11:13

COMING UP

  • Giselle Streeter

    Noon - 2:00pm

    Sunday Lunch - sponsored by Rusthall Lodge Care Home

  • Vince Cox

    2:00pm - 5:00pm

    Golden Greats