Purpose

A response from TWBC to the Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council Regulation 19 Local Plan Consultation.

Decision

RESOLVED –

1. That the Tonbridge and Malling Borough Local Plan 2024 - 2042 Regulation 19 Consultation be noted; and
2. That the representations set out in Appendix A of this Report be submitted, on or before the deadline of 25 October 2026, as Tunbridge Wells Borough Council’s representations to Tonbridge and Malling Borough Local Plan 2024 – 2042 Regulation 19 consultation.

Reasons for the decision

The preferred option is Option 2: to approve and submit the representations at Appendix A to Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council within the Regulation 19 consultation period.

Alternative options considered

Option 1: Do nothing – take no action and submit no representations to the consultation. The Council is not legally required to submit representations. However, taking no action would mean that TWBC’s identified cross-boundary concerns would not be formally advanced at the Regulation 19 stage and could limit the Council’s practical opportunity to pursue those matters through the examination process.

Option 2: Approve and submit the representations to the TMBC consultation set out in Appendix A on behalf of TWBC. This would enable the Council to participate in the consultation process and identify concerns, submit comments and request modifications on matters relevant to Tunbridge Wells Borough Council within the consultation period.

Option 3: Submit an alternative set of responses to those set out at Appendix A. This option would require further discussion with and consideration by officers and/or Councillors to inform the response. Depending on the nature and extent of the amendments required, this option may create a risk that the submission deadline cannot be met.