Neighbourhood Development Plan FAQs

​

Is the Neighbourhood Development Plan (NDP) another name for the Local Plan?

No. The Local Plan is produced by the planning authority (Tunbridge Wells Borough Council) and it is applicable to the whole of the borough, not just Hawkhurst.

 

Has Hawkhurst had a NDP before?

Yes, we produced one in 2018 but it's quite out of date and needs renewing.

​

So will the new Hawkhurst NDP replace the Local Plan in Hawkhurst?

No. Hawkhurst NDP and the Local Plan will sit together. Both have planning policies that will influence the way our village is shaped in the future. The NDP cannot change policies within the Local Plan, but it can refine those policies to make them more specific and relevant to Hawkhurst.

​

But do we really need a NDP?

Most villages now have a NDP as it gives local communities greater control about the shape of their village.

​

What can the new NDP do for us?

It can help us to resist inappropriate building and can help influence the type of building (such as the size of houses).  It can also give additional protection to visual views and green spaces.

 

When will the new NDP be completed?

The new NDP should be completed by the end of 2024, you can find the full timetable here

 

Why does it take so long?

To get a NDP accepted, we have to have detailed evidence to support every policy. We currently have residents organised into five working groups (Character & Heritage, Land Use, Infrastructure & Services, Highways and Community Fabric) gathering the detailed evidence. If you're interested in any of these themes, you could join in and contribute to the work. See the contact email address at the bottom of this page.

​

Who is in charge of the new NDP?

Hawkhurst Parish Council set up a Steering Group, mainly of residents, to produce the new NDP.  We work very closely with the Parish Council although we are independent from it. You can find full details of the membership of the Steering Group here

​

How can I have my say on the new NDP or help with it?

We ran a big consultation event in January 2003 and that’s informing our current work. We will be consulting with the Hawkhurst community again early next year, to share and firm-up the policies that we want for Hawkhurst. It is also likely that we will have a referendum on the new NDP towards the end of 2024. In the meantime you could:

 

• join one of our working groups

• read the Consultation Output Report here and email us with your thoughts

• contact us on any issue affecting Hawkhurst that you feel is important

​

ndphawkhurst@gmail.com can be used to communicate any ideas or problems you have  identified, or to ask any questions about the NDP.