We suggest rephrasing the third bullet-point on enhancements to read 'supporting the rural economy' in order to make clear that it is good husbandry and rural crafts which support fine landscapes and not promoting economic growth more generally in rural areas.

The Tyrolese site comprising open farmland and woodland on an undulating landform, lies to the south of Bessels Green and is situated in the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). SDLP Policy 3 states that proposals within AONB and their setting must conserve and enhance the character of the landscape. The SDC Landscape Sensitivity Assessment (May 2017) identifies the Tyrolese site as falling within the much larger Sevenoaks West (S4) sensitivity assessment area which is judged (p

The Tyrolese site comprising open farmland and woodland on an undulating landform, lies to the south of Bessels Green and is situated in the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). SDLP Policy 3 states that proposals within AONB and their setting must conserve and enhance the character of the landscape. The SDC Landscape Sensitivity Assessment (May 2017) identifies the Tyrolese site as falling within the much larger Sevenoaks West (S4) sensitivity assessment area which is judged (p

Approximately 60% of Sevenoaks District is designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). Whilst the Council is committed to protecting this designation, any development proposed within an AONB will need to protect and enhance the landscape. Whilst SKE support the need to protect land within the AONB, they express serious concerns regarding the Council's selection process of housing sites within the AONB. 5.2 Paragraph 5 of the Planning Practice Guidance document 'Natural Envir

* Halstead Parish council agree with the principles of this policy but would like to see the wording amended so that there is no ambiguity in the future when it comes to protecting Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty

Page 44 Heritage and Conservation - It should be noted that much of Kent has historically had a dispersed settlement pattern. Development between villages and hamlets and among farm buildings would in many places be consistent with the historic character of those areas. Historic England, KCC and Kent Downs AONB have published guidance on historic farmsteads in Kent that considers how rural development proposals can be assessed for whether they are consistent with existing character. The Kent Fa

We support the thrust of this policy, but consider it should be updated to replicate National Planning Policy in respect of how 'major' development will be considered.

Policy 3 Landscape and AONB As acknowledged in the Plan document, over 60% of the district lies within the Kent Downs AONB, however the policy wording does not appear to be providing the highest level of protection to these protected landscapes. The policy needs to ensure that designated landscapes are protected and enhanced with clear criteria or other guidance on what development will or will not be acceptable. Currently, the policy does not set out clear criteria for appropriate development

Berkeley agree that the District's AONB, landscape character and the countryside, including areas of tranquillity, should be be conserved and the distinctive features that contribute to the special character be protected and enhanced where possible. 3.2 Land that is outside of the AONB is not as protected or sensitive to change and thus should be released first ahead of land that is within the AONB and sensitive in landscape terms.

I support the wording of this policy.