Hartley Parish Plan Exhibition

A Village Plan for Hartley - Have Your Say
The Green Belt of Hartley

Links
1. A village plan	2. Boundaries	3. Green Belt	4. Physical Env
5. Development	6. Services	7. Council Services	8. Information
9. Problems

Let us know what you think, e-mail us at mail@hartley-parish-plan.org.uk

The metropolitan Green belt is a long standing instrument of planning in the south east of England, the general purpose of which is

To check the unrestricted sprawl of large built-up areas
To prevent neighbouring towns from merging one with another
To assist in safeguarding the countryside from encroachment
To preserve the setting and special character of historic towns, and
To assist in urban regeneration by encouraging the recycling of derelict and other urban land

The fundamental aim of the Green Belt Policies is

To provide access to open countryside
To provide opportunities for outdoor sport
To retain attractive landscapes
To improve damaged and derelict land around towns
To secure nature conservation interest and
To retain land in agricultural, forestry and related uses

Thus within the Green Belt, there is the presumption against inappropriate development. The re-use of buildings will be permitted under certain restrictions. All development allowed must conform to the general character of the existing buildings. The area around Hartley is part of the designated Metropolitan Green Belt.

Since the last appraisal of Hartley in 1979, the boundary of the Green Belt around Hartley has changed little.

The essence of maintaining the Green Belt is to preserve the open countryside between towns and villages. Whilst the northern boundary of Hartley is the railway line, the Green Belt surrounds Hartley on the other three sides. There have been small adjustments in the areas of Manor Drive and Parkfield.

Unfortunately, there is one error on this official map. Sevenoaks District Council propose to make the trees at Billings Hill Shaw part of the Green Belt at the earliest opportunity.

This aerial photograph shows the open fields and woodland separating New Ash Green right at the bottom of the picture and Hartley appearing towards the middle with Longfield further in the distance.

The photograph above contrasts with the built up area of St Johns Lane shown in the aerial photograph below.

Aerial View of Chantry Avenue, Fairby Lane, St Johns Lane

Hartley Wood and Longfield Hill are in the Distance