At the Regulation 19 stage, the council publishes the version of the plan it believes is ready to be submitted for independent examination. This is sometimes called the “publication” or “pre-submission” stage. It is a formal opportunity for people, organisations and other bodies to comment before the plan is sent to a government appointed Planning Inspector.
Comments at this stage should focus on whether the plan is legally compliant and “sound”. In simple terms, this means whether the plan has been prepared properly, is based on appropriate evidence, can realistically be delivered, and is consistent with national planning policy.
After the consultation closes, the council will review the comments received and submit the plan, supporting evidence and representations to the Planning Inspectorate. The Inspector will then examine the plan and decide whether it can be adopted, whether changes are needed, or whether there are issues that must be addressed before it can move forward.
Your comments matter because they become part of the examination process.
The plan has not yet been launched for consultation but as soon as it has been we will add links to this page, along with further information to assist you. The Sevenoaks District Council (SDC) proposed Regulation 19 Publication for the new Local Plan is scheduled to run from July 23 to September 17, 2026.
In the meantime here are some very short videos (3-6 mins each) from the Planning Inspectorate (otherwise known as PINS) to take you through what to expect.