Dear all,
Hollybush is much loved and used by all of us, especially families, so I know how concerning the illegal traveller encampment was for everyone last month. As well as occupying the land, there were also sadly cases of local children being intimidated, as well as theft, violence and antisocial behaviour directed at the Hollybush café which led to them having to close. This is totally unacceptable.
When I first became your MP in 2019, there were several local cases of illegal and unauthorised encampments. And, what became apparent to me were the limitations of the previous powers of enforcement. As part of my four-point plan to tackle antisocial behaviour in our local community, I campaigned for action to be taken so the police could challenge and remove unauthorised traveller sites as quickly as possible; I was so pleased when we passed legislation last year to make this the case. These new laws meant we could move the travellers on within 48 hours, compared to three weeks when a similar incident happened before.
Following the incident of violence at the café, I popped in to meet with owner John Heuerman, manager Gerry, and assistant Katie, to see how the team were doing in the aftermath. What was truly humbling was the way the team acted throughout to protect their customers, particularly the children there. They are a wonderful asset to our community and deserve all our support.
I would also like to say a huge thank you to the residents who helped clear up the mess that was left, as well as to Kent Police and Sevenoaks District Council for their prompt and effective action that enabled a Section 61 Notice to be served and move the individuals on.
In more positive news – this month bought with it TWO huge campaign wins.
Firstly, I was excited to hear from the Department of Transport that contactless ticketing will be coming to six stations across the Sevenoaks district – Bat and Ball, Dunton Green, Eynsford, Otford, Sevenoaks and Shoreham.
Like many of you, I am a regular commuter into London, and this is going to make a huge difference in reducing the extra hassle that queuing up for your ticket, picking the right fare and then locating said ticket on your journey home brings. I have been calling for this to be introduced since becoming your MP in 2019 and I could not be more thrilled.
Secondly, I was delighted last week to hear that our campaign to protect the Green Belt on Brittains Lane in Sevenoaks had been successful.
As some of you may know, Croudace Homes Ltd, sought to build 70 homes on the land which separates Sevenoaks from Riverhead. Despite being refused planning permission by the Conservative led Sevenoaks District Council, Croudace decided to appeal the decision, which this month we found out has been rejected by the Planning Inspector. This is a superb result and I know the news will come as a huge relief to the local community.
I am proud to have played my role in opposing the development and a huge thank you to the Planning Inspector, Sevenoaks District Council, former Conservative district councillors Andrew Eyre and Avril Hunter, and the Brittains Lane Association of residents who raised vital funds to help oppose the proposal.
Whilst the Sevenoaks District Council’s Local Plan continues to progress, I am pleased that the Levelling-up and Regeneration Bill currently going through Parliament, and the related consultation on the updating of the National Planning Policy Framework, means we should see less pressure on our area for housing numbers, as more attention is paid to the geographical green belt constraints of the area. This is something I have called for in many debates in Westminster since becoming your MP, as it is vital we are not completely blind to the local geographical circumstances that communities, like Sevenoaks, find ourselves in.
Laura Trott
MP for Sevenoaks and Swanley
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