NEDRA, the New Edenbridge District Residents’ Association, aims to represent the interests of Edenbridge, protect the Green Belt, consult members, share timely & vital information, collaborate with other organisations, and campaign for local, district and county council accountability for high-quality services.
We first came together back in February 2024, shocked by the extensive building plans for Edenbridge outlined in the 2040 local plan. Around 30 concerned residents attended that initial meeting, and from there, we formed the New Edenbridge District Residents’ Association (NEDRA). Our committee consists entirely of local residents, many of whom have lived in Edenbridge for years, with one member’s family having roots here for generations.
Originally our primary focus was to address and respond to the 2040 Local Plan. The proposal suggested that up to 1,534 new homes could be built in Edenbridge, and that did not include all sites with existing planning permission. This meant a potential influx of 2,000-4,000 more new residents, thousands more cars putting pressure on our roads, increased demand for policing, schools, nursery provision, added strain on the medical centre, and very likely more flooding due to increased concrete surfaces and potential building in flood zones. We knew that our infrastructure was simply not equipped to handle this level of development.
Visual below is from the previous 2040 Local Plan [2023-2024]
Everything has changed with the election of a new Labour Government and new housing targets. We are now awaiting a revised Local Plan and the process will start all over again. With the increased housing targets we may be looking at 2,000 + new homes, but we will wait and see how SDC structure it this time.
Unfortunately, Edenbridge was ‘caught sleeping’ last time around, resulting in few responses. We want to ensure that many more people are aware of and prepared for it this time. It’s crucial for as many people as possible to respond this time.
In addition to this primary focus, we also address other community issues raised by Edenbridge residents, including policing, the future of the war memorials from the closed hospital, and the quality of care at the new medical centre as well as responding to various other consultations and planning applications to protect the interests of Edenbridge.
We will be providing updates on these issues at our public meetings and on social media: including our Facebook page and this website, come back regularly to see what we are up to!