Dear Supporters
The final consultation which covers the proposed “Main Modifications” necessary to make the local plan sound is now running. This is a statutory public consultation which closes at midnight on 30th April 2025 and is not an opportunity to restate arguments. The Inspector has concluded his hearing of evidence and this stage is about getting the policies right based on the examination so far, he has already reviewed (approved) this version as suitable for the statutory consultation.
The key points are…
- Tudeley Village – Save Capel is pleased to see that this has been removed entirely from this local plan. Despite the Council arguing that it should be referred to as being suitable for the future, at the hearings last year, this appears to have been dropped from the proposed changes. We will be scrutinising the detailed wording.
- East Capel – the revised plan now identifies between 997 and 1,063 dwellings in Capel as part of a completely re-written Strategic Sites policy (STR/SS 1). Save Capel will be reviewing the wording in detail and there are likely to be further improvements that can be put to the Inspector. We are particularly concerned whether the ‘less is more’ approach suggested by the Inspector in respect of EC/PW provides adequate policies to deliver the required infrastructure in a timely fashion.
- Early Review – The deletion of TGV, housing reductions at East Capel to avoid higher flood risk areas, and other changes result in overall housing provision that does not meet the 15-year requirement. Therefore, the soundness of this local plan requires the commitment to an immediate review to commence within six months of adoption and the submission of a new plan within 30 months of that.
Click on the button below to view the consultation website…
TWBC is running this consultation and Save Capel will be submitting our formal representation, where all responses received will be sent to the Inspector in full. He will consider these when preparing his ‘final report’ which will conclude whether the revised plan is “sound” and that it could be adopted by the Council. .
Save Capel AGM – 28th MAY 2025
Members agreed that the 2024 AGM should be postponed until the progression of the local plan is clearer. Now we have the details, the AGM has been arranged for Wednesday, 28th May 2025 commencing 7.30pm at the Capel Village Hall, Falmouth Place, Five Oak Green TH12 6RD.
Members will elect the Executive to lead the campaign over the coming year and discuss important updates that affect development in our area, including…
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The Council’s approach to the adoption of this local plan and the early review
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The latest information on East Capel planning applications in preparation by Crest Nicholson (North) and Dandara (South)
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National planning policy changes by the government
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Changes to local authorities – merging of KCC and borough councils in Kent
If you are not yet a member or know anyone who is interested, it is free to sign up…
Join the Executive
As part of the early review explained above, we can expect a further ‘call for sites’ within the next year and undoubtedly there will be further development proposed around Five Oak Green and in Capel generally, including potentially the return of TGV in some shape or form.
If you are able to get more involved, please consider joining the Executive as we continue to challenge inappropriate development in the local plan process. The work will not be onerous for the next year which will be an opportunity to gain an understanding of how the campaign is managed. Please contact Stewart or another member of the team for details.
As ever, the Save Capel Executive would like to thank you all for your continuing support. We’d love to hear your feedback on this via email to savecapel@gmail.com
Stewart, Ian, Maggie, Charlie, Jan, Mark, and Chris
