The Planning Committee of Tunbridge Wells Council met on Wednesday 30 September 2026, approving plans for a new business park in Hawkhurst, the removal of iron railings at Camster in Royal Tunbridge Wells, and a Section 106 agreement for Capel Court Yard. The committee also granted outline planning permission for up to 130 dwellings at Finches Farm, Five Oak Green, following a tied vote where the Chair cast the deciding vote in favour.

Hawkhurst Station Business Park, Gills Green, Hawkhurst

The committee granted planning permission for the erection of a Class B2 (General Industrial) building at Hawkhurst Station Business Park. The decision was subject to a Section 106 legal agreement to secure contributions towards sustainable transport and the Hop Pickers Line Heritage Group, along with conditions covering a range of matters including landscaping, biodiversity, drainage, and noise management. The proposal was considered to outweigh the limited landscape and visual harm, with amendments made to the building's scale and design since its previous deferral. Significant economic benefits, including the creation of 60 jobs, were a key factor in the decision.

Camster, Camden Park, Royal Tunbridge Wells

Retrospective planning permission was granted for the removal of existing iron railings at Camster, Camden Park. The committee accepted the officer's recommendation that the railings, despite their age, did not make a positive contribution to the character or appearance of the Royal Tunbridge Wells Conservation Area, and their removal had a neutral impact. Concerns raised by objectors regarding the replacement close-boarded fence were noted as a separate planning matter, as the application solely concerned the removal of the railings.

Capel Court Yard, Sychem Lane, Capel

The committee resolved to enter into a Section 106 legal agreement to replace an existing Section 52 agreement from 1974 for Capel Court Yard. This new agreement will bring the entire site under planning control, relocating commercial uses away from the northern boundary to create a landscaped buffer, and introducing controls over noise levels, hours of operation, and lighting. The proposal was seen as a betterment to the current situation, offering greater certainty and control over the site's operations, and was approved unanimously.

Finches Farm, Five Oak Green Road, Five Oak Green

Outline planning permission was granted for up to 130 dwellings at Finches Farm, subject to a Section 106 legal agreement and conditions. The decision was made following a tied vote, with the Chair casting the deciding vote in favour. Key benefits cited included the provision of 50% affordable housing, economic benefits, new recreational space and a staff car park for Capel Primary School, and extensive public open space. While the proposal failed the sequential test for flood risk and resulted in less than substantial harm to heritage assets and the rural landscape, these were considered to be outweighed by the substantial public benefits, particularly in light of the Council's inability to demonstrate a five-year housing land supply. The development was deemed to be on balance a sustainable location for a rural village, and the 'Golden Rules' for Green Belt development were met. Conditions and Section 106 contributions were stipulated to address matters including drainage, highway safety, education, healthcare, and community facilities.