Policy 5 Ashdown Forest Natural England has no specific comments to raise with this policy. To be clear on the decision making process, you may wish to consider stating that any proposals considered likely to have a significant adverse effect on the Ashdown Forest Special Protection Area (SPA) will not normally be permitted.

Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA) Natural England concurs with the conclusions drawn in the HRA, which state that no adverse effect on integrity of Ashdown Forest is expected to result from development provided by the Sevenoaks Local Plan, even in combination with other plans and projects. However, we note that the wording of the HRA appears to confuse the terms 'likely significant effect' and 'adverse effect on integrity'. The conclusions refer to likely significant effects, although adver

Halstead Parish Council have no comment on this policy

Chevening Parish Council has no comment

Policy 5. Given that tariff rates may change over time, the amount should either be included in the explanatory text or a proviso included in the policy to allow for future changes in the tariff rates. 24 Policies should not include hyper-links to other documents, as in Policy 5, as those links themselves do not constitute policy. The link should be included in the explanatory text.

On behalf of Andrew Tickle As a result of recent European Court of Justice cases, it will not necessarily be appropriate to consider the mitigation (contribution to SAMMs) at the Habitats Regulations stage. It is also worthy of note that the Council will also need to consider whether the amount and location of development is likely to have implications for cumulative air quality assessments and projections at Ashdown Forest. The council should seek advice, but it is likely that most develop

KPC have no comments on this policy

Does not apply to West Kingsdown

I agree with this policy in principle and believe any new developments should enhance and not damage or detrimentally affect biodiversity and wildlife. However, as with any policy it comes down to a robust and evidence based development process with clearly defined enforcement protocols to ensure that obligations by developers are being met.

While we recognise that this is not a matter for Otford, we support the policy.