When forming the Neighbourhood Plan, it is vital that there is an inclusive process taking account of feedback from all of those who reside or have a business within the Parish. During the initial development period of 2021 to 2023 three questionnaires were issued to all residents. This was followed by a Business Survey and a Housing Needs Survey in the early part of 2024 and then a School Survey in late 2025. As well as the foregoing, other interaction with the community was undertaken and full details on the whole consultation process can be seen in the Consultation Statement as shown in the "Supporting Information" section of this Website. A summary of the key factors and results on the initial surveys is shown below:
March 2021 Questionnaire
This brief survey to determine the level of support for a Neighbourhood Plan resulted in 223 responses with 220 returns in favour of producing a Neighbourhood Plan and 3 opposed. On the basis of these responses, the Parish Council decided to proceed with the preparation of a Neighbourhood Plan and obtained the formal designation for this from Sevenoaks District Council. Grant funding has been secured for consultants work, leaflets and other costs, and the Parish Council will cover any remaining costs in the preparation of the Plan.
October 2021 Questionnaire
A questionnaire was delivered to all residents of Hartley seeking information and opinions on six subject matters including the benefits and drawbacks of living in Hartley and what improvements could be made. A total of 286 responses were received, equating to an 11.5% return on the 2,500 questionnaires delivered. A summary of the responses can be seen by clicking on the link below.
Consultation October 2021
October 2023 Questionnaire
Approximately 2,500 questionnaires were issued to residents of Hartley in October 2023. A total of 559 responses were received. The questionnaire sought people's views about the Metropolitan Green Belt areas, local wildlife, open spaces, conservation areas and community assets. A summary of the responses can be seen by clicking on the link below:
Consultation October 2023
Housing Needs Survey - March 2024
This survey was undertaken during the first 3 months of 2024. 2,334 questionnaires were distributed ans 24 were completed. The findings show that 9 residents of Hartley are seeking Affordable Housing and 11 were older homeowners seeking to downsize or move to more suitable housing.. The full report can be viewed by clicking on the link below.
Housing Needs Survey March 2024
Business Survey - 2024
This survey was undertaken during the first few months of 2024 to obtain information on businesses operating within the Parish and to ensure that appropriate data is included in the Neighbourhood Plan. 30 businesses were approached and 9 responded with comments. A summary of their comments can be viewed by clicking on the link below.
Business questionnaire summary
Walk In Meetings - 17th & 20th April 2024
These Walk In meetings were well supported and approximately 100 residents visited over the two days. The papers which were displayed at the Walk In meetings can be viewed by clicking on the link below.
Papers displayed at Walk In meetings
A questionnaire asking for feedback on the Walk In meetings and views on the draft Vision Statement and Policies was requested from attendees. 84 questionnaires were completed seeking views on our proposed Hartley Neighbourhood Plan Policies. All the Policies were supported with at least 75% of respondents in agreement. A summary of the responses can be seen by clicking on the link below.
Walk In summary of questionnaires