A mum-of-two has launched a petition in an effort to stop the “picturesque” field behind her home from being “destroyed”.

Dannielle Davis has lived in Hawthorn Park in Swanley for the past nine years, and says the green space is “beloved” by the local community.

But last month, Sevenoaks council unveiled plans for more than 17,000 homes across the district, to meet new “radically increased” targets set by the government.

The field behind Dannielle’s home is among the sites being earmarked by the council, with the mum stating she was “horrified” when she found out.

She explained: “Many residents didn't even know this was happening.

“This is a beautiful, beautiful field, and it would just be such a shame for it to be destroyed.

“You can sit at the top of the hill and you can see the whole of Swanley. It's just really picturesque.

“I haven't got a very big garden, and this feels like it is part of everybody's garden. It's very beloved by a lot of people.”

In December last year, the government changed the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), which included the new grey belt definition.

The land behind Hawthorn Park, which used to be part of the green belt, was then reclassified as grey belt, putting it at risk of future development.

Dannielle, who has a nine-month-old and a 14-year-old, has set up a petition, calling on the council to protect the open field from being built on. It can be viewed here.

She added: “We're already struggling with a lot of traffic, and GP appointments are hard to get hold of. I'm not against housing or developments, but I am for the environment, and I am for the community.

“My dog passed away at the beginning of this year, and we used to walk her over there all the time. I just always picture her there, so it’s very sentimental to me.”

The public is currently being consulted on proposals for 1,145 homes a year over the next 15 years.

The consultation started on October 23 and is set to last until December 11, and residents can submit their views online here, as well as attend in-person events.

Dannielle will be presenting the petition to the council at a pop-up meeting tomorrow (November 5), on behalf of local residents.

A Sevenoaks district council spokesperson said: “We are currently consulting on the new Local Plan, which includes potential locations for new homes to meet the government’s significantly increased housing targets for the Sevenoaks District.

“The government has instructed us to identify land for 1,145 new homes every year, a 63% increase on the current target.

“While the new Local Plan proposes to make the best use of existing built-up areas, we have to consider other sites to meet the government housing target.

“Over 500 sites were put forward by landowners for inclusion in the Local Plan. After considering each site against the government’s new National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), and assessing constraints and suitability, we have included around 100 sites.

‘The Local Plan will continue to protect the overwhelming majority of the Green Belt and the district’s environment and unique and special character...’

“These include some sites that now meet the government’s new ‘grey belt’ definition, which was not a consideration in previous consultations, as it was only introduced through the revised NPPF published in December 2024.

“As well as new homes, including much-needed affordable housing, the Local Plan includes proposals to support the economy by protecting business space and high streets, and new infrastructure such as schools, shops, health centres, and improved local transport.

“The Local Plan will continue to protect the overwhelming majority of the green belt and the district’s environment and unique and special character.

“Residents can comment on the new Local Plan by taking our survey or by attending one of the 10 pop-up sessions taking place across the district.”