Statement by Parish Council

Published: 03 April 2026

Friday 3 April 2026

The Parish Council is aware of significant concern among residents in both Sundridge and Ide Hill regarding unauthorised development currently taking place at a property at the junction of Penn Lane and Church Road, Sundridge.

The Parish Council, alongside local residents, has raised these concerns with Kent Police, Laura Trott MP, and Cllr Nigel Williams (Kent County Council and Sevenoaks District Council). As the development is being undertaken by the property owner, it falls under the jurisdiction of planning enforcement at Sevenoaks District Council (SDC).

We have been informed that SDC’s Planning Enforcement Team intends to take action on Tuesday 7 April 2026. Members of the Parish Council are extremely disappointed that no further action will be taken before this date due to the Easter bank holiday period, and we fully recognise and share the concerns being expressed by residents.

In light of this situation, the Parish Council encourages residents to raise their concerns directly with the relevant authorities:

• Call the SDC Emergency Line on 01732 227000

• Contact the Chair of SDC, Cllr Roddy Hogarth – cllr.hogarth@sevenoaks.gov.uk

• Contact your District Councillor, Cllr Nigel Williams – cllr.williams@sevenoaks.gov.uk

• Email the SDC Planning Enforcement Team – planning.enforcement@sevenoaks.gov.uk

• Contact your MP, Laura Trott – laura.trott.mp@parliament.uk

The Parish Council and its Clerk remain fully committed to ensuring that all development within the Parish is carried out lawfully and with the appropriate permissions from Kent County Council and Sevenoaks District Council. We will continue to do everything within our powers to seek a satisfactory and timely resolution to this matter.

Amanda Barlow

Clerk, Sundridge with Ide Hill Parish Council

clerk@sundridgewithidehillparishcouncil.gov.uk