Following a series of public consultations on the decking of the Buckhurst 2 car park, the council has submitted an amended application.

The proposal has been amended from the initial consultation plans put to the community during the summer to take account of their comments.

The application, submitted by Sevenoaks District Council, proposes that the car park would be clad in a combination of materials which compliment the surroundings, helping to lessen the impact of building on neighbouring land and property.

After listing to residents and stakeholders, the key changes following the consultation include a living wall on certain elevations, which will be made up of climbing plants and moving the structure away from residential properties.

Living walls are installed as a result of their environmental advantages including noise reduction, providing wildlife habitats and the improvement of air quality.

By taking into account the consultation comments and moving the structure away from residential properties, the addition of an intermediate floor proposed on the Leisure Centre/Knole Park elevation will allow for 300 additional spaces.

“At present there is a chronic shortage of long-stay parking. More than 100 residents and businesses are on our waiting lists for long-stay parking permits" - Cllr Peter Fleming

All the existing plants and vegetation around the car park will remain.

Cllr Peter Fleming, leader of the council, said: “We have listened carefully to residents and businesses. Whilst most people support our proposal, some concerns were raised and we are doing our best to address with changes to the initial design.

“At present there is a chronic shortage of long-stay parking. More than 100 residents and businesses are on our waiting lists for long-stay parking permits.

"An independent report commissioned by the Council earlier this year found that there is an immediate need for additional parking spaces in the town.”

For more info on the car park visit: www.sevenoaks.gov.uk/buckhurst2

Residents can comment on the application until Thursday, October 16 and it is expected to be considered by the council's development control committee during November.