The Planning Committee of Tunbridge Wells Council met on Wednesday 15 April 2026, approving four planning applications and one advertisement consent. The committee granted permission for a new dwelling at 23 Newlands, Langton Green, and for alterations to Longford House, 19 Mount Ephraim Road, including a mansard roof extension. Permission was also granted for a change of use and associated canopies at The Pantiles, and for advertisement signage at 27 The Pantiles.

New Dwelling Approved at 23 Newlands, Langton Green

Permission has been granted for the erection of a new dwelling and associated landscape works at 23 Newlands, Langton Green. The application, which had been called in by Councillor Matthew Sankey, the Ward Member for Rusthall and Speldhurst, due to concerns about the impact on neighbouring amenity, was approved unanimously.

Objectors, including local resident David Bramble, raised concerns about the overbearing impact, loss of outlook, and increased density, arguing that the development would harm the open and spacious character of the estate. Mr Bramble specifically highlighted that the proposed dwelling's width would span approximately 70% of the garden width at 1 Mercer's, and that the reduced height was only a minor adjustment. Charlie Cadswell, speaking for the applicant, emphasised that the proposal was a small windfall development supported by national and local policy, and that significant amendments had been made in response to community concerns, including moving the building further from boundaries and lowering the eaves height. Councillor Sankey stated that the case was finely balanced and warranted determination by the committee.

Councillor Hugo Pound proposed approval, noting that while he sympathised with objectors, the site was within the limits of built development and represented an efficient use of land. He added that the development at the adjacent property, 21 Newlands, made the current proposal similar to a cul-de-sac arrangement. Councillor David Pitts seconded the motion, agreeing that amendments had reduced potential harm and that the design was in keeping with the area. An additional condition was added requiring details of the proposed chimney to be submitted for agreement to the Planning Authority before any works commence.

Alterations to Longford House Approved

Tunbridge Wells Borough Council's Planning Committee has granted planning permission for alterations to Longford House, 19 Mount Ephraim Road, including the construction of a mansard roof extension, courtyard infill, and the replacement and enclosure of external fire escapes. The application was a resubmission following a previous approval for a change of use to a healthcare establishment.

The primary external changes involve a mansard roof extension clad in zinc standing seam and a textured grey stone finish, along with the enclosure of fire escapes. The TWBC Conservation and Urban Design team raised concerns that the mansard roof, exceeding the ridge height of the original villa, would dominate elements contributing positively to the Conservation Area and negatively impact key views. They concluded this would result in less than substantial harm to the character of the conservation area.

Richard Hazelgrove, Development Management Team Leader, explained that the proposed use as a healthcare establishment was already permitted and extant. He noted that the new additions would be largely set back from the front elevation, minimising impact on the street scene. Councillor Ellen Neville proposed accepting the officer's recommendation, seconded by Councillor Lynne Darrah, with an added informative recommending that noise impact assessments consider properties in Lime Hill Road. The committee unanimously approved the application.

Flexible Use Approved for The Pantiles Properties

Permission has been granted for a change of use from office, retail, and service to include Use Class F1A (education) at Foundation, Dowding, Frant and Royal Victoria Houses, 31a, 31b & 51 The Pantiles, The Corn Exchange, and Sussex Mews. The application also includes the additional use of ground and basement floors of 31b as a hairdresser and the installation of glazed canopies.

Hayley Starkey, Senior Planning Officer, presented the application, highlighting that no external changes were proposed to the buildings themselves. The change of use aims to enhance the range of facilities available and widen marketing potential. Councillor Hugo Pound proposed approval, stating that any development contributing to the regeneration of The Pantiles was welcome. Councillor Don Kent seconded the motion. Councillor David Pitts noted the thoroughness of the report and the clear explanation of policy ED11 regarding education uses, supporting the motion. The application was unanimously approved.

Advertisement Consent Granted for 27 The Pantiles

Advertisement consent has been granted for a retrospective hanging sign and display board at 27 The Pantiles. The application was brought to the committee because Tunbridge Wells Borough Council is the freehold landowner.

Ethan Murphy, Planning Officer, explained that the hanging sign, at 2.29 metres above ground level, and an A-frame display board were proposed. While Conservation and Urban Design noted that hand-painted lettering would have been preferred, they found no heritage harm. Concerns were raised by Councillor Don Kent regarding the potential hazard of the A-frame sign for visually impaired individuals. Officers clarified that such signs are common in The Pantiles and that an informative would be added recommending the sign be placed in close proximity to the building's frontage. Councillor Hugo Pound suggested a condition limiting the A-frame's placement to no more than one metre from the wall. Councillor Ellen Neville proposed accepting the officer's recommendation with the added informative, seconded by Councillor David Pitts. The committee unanimously approved the application.

Listed Building Consent Granted for Fascia Sign at 27 The Pantiles

Listed building consent has been granted for a fascia sign at 27 The Pantiles. The application, also presented by Ethan Murphy, relates to the same property as the advertisement consent application.

The fascia sign does not impact the existing structure of the building or alter historic fabric, and is considered reversible. The TWBC Conservation and Urban Design team reiterated their preference for hand-painted lettering but concluded that the works would not warrant refusal on heritage grounds. Councillor Ellen Neville proposed accepting the officer's recommendation, seconded by Councillor David Pitts. The committee unanimously approved the application.