The Design Officer presented the report recommending the adoption of the Edenbridge Character Area Assessment Supplementary Planning Document (SPD). The report provided the background to the Edenbridge Character Area Assessment SPD and summarised the outcome of the public consultation. The purpose of the SPD was to build upon and provide guidance on Policy SP1 of the Core Strategy: ‘all new development should be designed to a high quality and should respond to distinctive local character of the area in which it is situated’.  The Design Officer demonstrated the interactive map, Appendix D to the report, and Members took the opportunity to ask questions of clarification.

Overall Members welcomed the document as excellent, which read well and was comprehensive, and thanked officers for their work especially with the consultation work.

In response to a question relating to how well it read, it was noted that the National Design Document 2019, which had informed much of the assessment, had been released as guidance since the production of the Sevenoaks Residential Character Area Assessment.

Public Sector Equality Duty

Members noted that consideration had been given to impacts under the Public Sector Equality Duty.

Resolved:  That it be recommended to Cabinet that the Edenbridge Character Area Assessment Supplementary Planning Document, be adopted.