Fresh proposals for land east of Sevenoaks

The previous proposals for the land included improvements to public spaces, a new leisure centre and a new library

Plans to regenerate the land east of Sevenoaks High Street are being updated following feedback from the public and stakeholders, Sevenoaks District Council (SDC) has said.

The previous proposals for the land included improvements to public spaces, a new leisure centre and a new library.

However, SDC said that although residents were generally supportive of the proposals they had raised concerns about rebuilding the library, car parking, accessibility, the size of the new leisure centre, and impact from construction activities and traffic.

A decision has been made by Kent County Council (KCC) to not include the library as part of the project.

KCC said the current library was already well used by the public and would stay in its existing form in the town centre.

SDC's new proposals still include a new leisure centre and a cultural hub and market hall for traders to complement the Wednesday and Saturday street markets, as well as new town centre homes built with dedicated parking spaces.

The council said it would be asking potential development partners to put forward schemes via a procurement process that they think best meet the project's requirements and objectives.

Councillor Michael Horwood, SDC's cabinet member for innovation and improvement, said: "We remain 100% committed to delivering this very important project to improve Sevenoaks' leisure and cultural offer, supporting the town's economy and enhancing the environment."