Whately campaigned against Maidstone's Local Plan (a policy document that defines the framework for development in the area until 2031[52]) as she felt that it did not have enough funding for improvements in infrastructure and roads and could damage local landmarks such as Leeds Castle.[53] Both Whately and Maidstone and The Weald MP Helen Grant wrote to the then Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government Sajid Javid in September 2017 to intervene in the matter, but he declined as he felt that it was a decision that should be made locally.[54][55] Maidstone Borough Council formally adopted the Local Plan in October.[56]