In order to further strengthen and clarify this policy we suggest: * Split the second paragraph, headed Health, Wellbeing and Safety, into two parts. For the first two bullet points, replace the word "should:" in the explanatory sentence with "will be expected to:" .For the second two bullet points repeat the explanatory sentence but replace "should:" with "must:" * In the first bullet point, add "public transport" before "services". * In the section headed "Flood Risk" conclude the final sen

Reducing isolation and living healthier lives Paragraph 8.1 of the draft Local Plan states: "The District has an ageing population … It is important that provision is made to ensure all residents have the opportunity to improve their wellbeing, reduce social exclusion and isolation, stay physically active and live healthier lives". Paragraph 8.3 of the draft Local Plan states: "Current population date shows that 21% (24,000) of the District's population is aged 65 and over and this proportion is

Policy 18 states "residential development must avoid, and non-residential development should avoid, areas at risk of flooding and no development should take place in Flood Zones 2 and 3 without agreement from the Environment Agency." 11.2 This is supported by policies set out in the NPPF. Paragraph 157 states: "All plans should apply a sequential, risk-based approach to the location of development – taking into account the current and future impacts of climate change – so as to avoid, where

Public Rights of Way - KCC recommends that PRoW should be referred to within this policy, as the network provides substantial opportunities for active travel and outdoor recreation, which can help to address issues associated with air quality, health and wellbeing. SUDS - KCC recommends that under the subtitle 'Climate Change', the following addition is made: "(g) resilient drainage design which includes a climate change allowance", recognising that this is not the same as seeking a reduction i

* Halstead Parish Council feel that local flooding knowledge should form part of a flood risk assessment. Residents could be at risk if concerns are ignored.

We recognise the importance of ensuring new development supports the wider aims of local authorities and their partners to improve the health and well-being of their residents and workforce. However, the requirement for a development to undertake a Health Impact Assessment (HIA) to demonstrate how they have mitigated any potential negative effects on health is unnecessary and an additional burden on applicants. The PPG sets out that HIAs "may be a useful tool to use where there is expected to be

South East Water would like to request the protection of water sources is included into your final plan, we acknowledge that you briefly outline protection of surface water. However due to the nature of the local geology, the protection of groundwater sources is as, if not more, important with regard to public water supplies. We also request hydrogeological risk assessments for the planning areas as and when they progress. This is in order to ensure that all risks to surface and groundwater qual

Policy 18 Health and Wellbeing, Air Quality, Climate Change and Flooding We welcome the clear framework on the type of proposals likely to be supported (and vice versa). Clear guidance is provided on the supporting information required, and how proposals will be judged with regards to health and wellbeing, air quality, climate change and flooding. High quality, sustainable design incorporating appropriate landscaping such as tree screening, strategic tree planting and green roofs can assist wi

Water Resources Policy 18 of the LP requires new non-domestic development to meet the BREEAM "Excellent" standard, which is to be welcomed. Also the LP says, on p100, "We will contribute to reducing the causes and effects of climate change by promoting best practice in sustainable design and construction to improve the energy and water efficiency of all new development." However there is no mention of water efficiency standards for new domestic buildings, which we would normally expect to see. B

Quality of Life Most of Sevenoaks District has an outstanding quality of residential environment. This is what has driven its growth and its character. Further growth must not undermine the quality of our communities which make them special. The impact of increasing, and speeding, traffic poses the biggest threat to quality of life for families living in our towns and villages. The plan must make clear how noise, pollution, congestion and danger which damages them will be dealt with. It must sho