Hannah Kay, the General Manager of the National Trust at Knole in attendance to give a short presentation and answer questions about air quality in Sevenoaks.

The Chairman welcomed Hannah Kay, the General Manager for the National Trust at Knole. She thanked the Board for her invitation and informed them that she would be providing updates on the National Trust at Knole’s efforts to manage traffic flow at Knole and in surrounding Sevenoaks. The Board was advised that the National Trust were pursuing short term, medium term and long term approaches to traffic management.

Short term measures focused on operation procedures which had been aimed at National Trust visitors and general park users. The General Manager advised that the National Trust car park was enclosed by a firm boundary and efforts had been undertaken to get cars parked quickly. The Board was advised that Marshalls prevented any more cars from entering the car park when only 20 spaces were remaining. The National Trust had adjusted their advertising of Knole, only advertising prebooked events and updating the website to notify visitors of car park closure to which a Member commented that some visitors may not have access to the internet. The General Manager reported that they had been successful in changing visitor patterns and more guests had been visiting on weekdays. Staffing patterns had also been adjusted to ensure maximum staffing at weekends.

Medium term efforts included collaboration and partnership work primarily with the Council and other local car parks in response to Knole carpark frequently reaching capacity. Visitors who were being turned away from Knole car park were now redirected to the Sevenoaks Town car park. Prices for non-National Trust member parking had also been increased to incentivise parking at other locations in the town. Signage to Knole park and house was to be installed in Sevenoaks Town car park and opportunities to include the Knole car park on the electronic car parking signs around the town were being explored. It was reported that a shuttle bus had been operating during half term and there were plans for those arriving by train to be eligible for discounted entry to the house. The General Manager highlighted the role of community use of Knole Park and the National Trust’s relationship with the Sackville Estate. She was hoping to work with the estate to schedule future events at days and times that would result in a less significant impact on congestion in Sevenoaks. 

Long term plans were targeted on carrying out a transport assessment and creating a travel plan considering road infrastructure around Knole and other possible entrances. Members were advised that the National Trust was restrained by Knole’s status as a listed site and the location of the golf course. The General Manager stressed that her team was hoping to work with the Council and other stakeholders and to seek help and advice from these partners.

Members questioned if the removal of the gate at the top of the main entrance could alleviate congestion on the High Street to which they were advised there were other parts of the road to Knole that required cars to be single file. Questions were raised in relation to the vintage bus no longer being permitted to stop at Knole. It was advised that concerns had been raised by the National Trust relating to the bus turning in Knole in 2017 and 2018 and it was no longer feasible for the bus to operate in the same way due to considerable increases in traffic flow. In some instances, it was reported that visitors were parking in Knole and using the vintage bus to and from the town centre. A Member noted their regret about the vintage bus no longer servicing Knole.

Members suggested that, as at other National Trust locations, car-parking fees could be collected in the car park rather than at the bottom of the drive. It was believed this might help reduce congestion on the High Street. It was recognised that this method could result in some guests not paying for parking. The General Manager advised that staff issuing parking tickets would limit welcome information if a considerable number of vehicles were waiting to enter the park. It was noted that the gate box for tickets was situated outside the listed parkland in a location with existing electricity and internet signal. Unlike other National Trust sites, it was clarified that more parking spaces could not be made available as Natural England had enforced restrictions on land appropriate for parking. It was advised that a prepay facility for parking was not available at any National Trust site.

The Board thanked the General Manager for her presentation and wished to invite the National Trust at Knole back for further updates next year.