The Tunbridge Wells Borough Council Full Council meeting on 22 April 2026 addressed a range of significant issues, including the future of Royal Victoria Place, the community safety partnership plan, and the award of a new waste collection contract. Key decisions were made regarding the appointment of a new member to the Audit and Governance Committee and the approval of the Community Safety Partnership Plan for 2026-27. The council also debated and voted on motions concerning the Pantiles Colonnade and the retention of planning call-in powers.

Royal Victoria Place Redevelopment and Victoria Snooker Centre

Significant discussion revolved around the proposed redevelopment of Royal Victoria Place (RVP) in Royal Tunbridge Wells. Mr James Tansley, a member of the public, raised concerns about the £42 million cost of the first phase of refurbishment, questioning whether it constituted a taxpayer-funded subsidy for a small group of businesses and why they were being favoured over High Street businesses. Councillor Justine Rutland, Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Deputy Leader, explained that the total indicative cost was between £42 million and £68 million, aiming to provide a three-screen cinema, leisure facilities, and improved public realm. She stated the scheme should be self-financing through increased operating income, business rates, and car parking revenue, and would not result in additional council tax.

Mr Tansley also questioned the council's business plan for future revenue, referencing a reported loss on RVP in the 2024-25 financial year. Councillor Rutland confirmed that the latest RVP business plan for 2026-2027 had been approved by Cabinet and was available on the council's website, with a commitment to commissioning another independent report on future revenues.

Regarding the Victoria Snooker Centre, Councillor Rutland stated that the council had been engaging with the owners for over 18 months, seeking a collaborative approach. She clarified that the council did not plan to demolish the entire structure but intended to restore the façade. However, Mr Tansley presented a different perspective from members of the Victoria Snooker Centre, questioning why the council was looking to close an amenity that operated without subsidy. Councillor Rutland reiterated that the council needed the space back for the cinema and was happy to help the snooker centre find alternative locations.

Finally, Mr Tansley asked when a full and transparent public debate on the future of RVP would be held. Councillor Rutland indicated that public debates were ongoing and anticipated further discussions in September, leading to a decision by Full Council in October. She assured that a rigorous economic analysis would be provided.

Community Safety Partnership Plan 2026-27

Councillor Corinna Keefe, Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities, presented the Tunbridge Wells Community Safety Partnership Plan 2026-27. She highlighted that while overall crime had decreased, certain offences such as sexual offences, hate crime, anti-social behaviour, and drug offences had increased. The plan outlines five key priorities: domestic abuse, anti-social behaviour and business-related crime, substance misuse, road safety, and stalking and violence against women and girls. Key actions include promoting support schemes for domestic abuse survivors, using CCTV and diversionary activities to tackle anti-social behaviour, improving signposting for support services, engaging young people on road safety, and providing a late-night presence in the town centre. The plan was developed through a collaborative process involving local partners and service providers. Councillor Keefe expressed hope for unanimous support for these priorities. Councillor Matthew Sankey and Councillor Hugo Pound, on behalf of the Labour Group, both commended the work of the Community Safety Unit and expressed their support for the plan. The motion to approve the Community Safety Partnership Plan 2026-27 was carried.

Household Recycling, Waste Collection and Street Cleansing Contract Award

Councillor Rob Wormington, Cabinet Member for Environment and Sustainability, introduced the report on the Household Recycling, Waste Collection and Street Cleansing Contract Award. He thanked officers for their work on this complex procurement, which was being undertaken in partnership with Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council. Councillor Wormington also reassured members about the provision of HVO fuel for the council's fleet as part of its decarbonisation programme. Councillor Downing expressed gratitude for the cross-party support and scrutiny, emphasising that this was a collaborative initiative. Councillor Darrow, however, expressed disappointment that bins for cardboard waste had not been introduced as part of the renegotiated contract, suggesting it would make it easier for less able individuals. Councillor Wormington acknowledged this point, stating it was something that could be considered further down the line, separate from the current contracting process, but noted the associated cost implications. The council resolved to award the contract to Bidder A for the period 1 April 2027 to 31 March 2039, with delegated authority to various officers for contract management and implementation.

Motion on Notice: The Pantiles Colonnade

Councillor Hugo Pound moved a motion concerning the condition of The Pantiles Colonnade, highlighting its importance as a heritage asset. The motion urged Cabinet members to engage with stakeholders, including the owners, tenants, and residents, to develop a specific maintenance and renovation plan. Mr Zakowski, a member of the public, spoke in support, describing the Pantiles as the crown jewel of Tunbridge Wells that needed to look like it. Councillor Matt Lowe, Cabinet Member for Planning, confirmed that pre-application discussions were underway with the owners, Target Follow, regarding external repairs and façade improvements. Councillor Matthew Sankey declared an interest as a leaseholder on The Pantiles and, while welcoming the intent, questioned the proportionality and necessity of the motion, noting that dialogue already existed and work was underway. Councillor David Hayward questioned why ward councillors for The Pantiles were not bringing forward the motion. Councillor Pamela Wilkinson, Cabinet Member for Sports, Leisure and Health, supported the motion, emphasising the need to safeguard residents' homes and the cultural, economic, and historic significance of the area. Councillor Fairweather also supported the motion, noting failings in the maintenance of the structure. Councillor Jamie Johnson expressed concern about placing undue pressure on businesses. Councillor Rutland seconded the motion, acknowledging the complexity of balancing the needs of various groups and the importance of caring for the buildings' fabric. Councillor Pound, in his closing remarks, argued that the current dialogue was insufficient and that residents had not been adequately consulted. He stressed the need for the council to facilitate dialogue to ensure a long-term plan for the colonnade. The motion was carried, with Councillor Sankey abstaining.

Motion on Notice: Opposition to the Removal of Planning Call-In Powers

Councillor Thomas Mobbs moved a motion opposing the government's proposed removal or restriction of planning call-in powers. He argued that these powers were vital for local democratic oversight, transparency, and accountability, and their removal would undermine local democracy. Councillor Hayward seconded the motion, highlighting concerns about applicant-funded reports and the lack of scrutiny on transport assessments. Councillor Hugh Patterson spoke in strong support, detailing how parish councils use this power and the potential weakening of their statutory consultee status. Councillor Hugo Pound expressed a nuanced view, supporting the opposition to total removal but suggesting that some elements of the call-in procedure could be refined. Councillor David Knight urged full support for the motion, emphasizing the disenfranchisement of residents, particularly in rural wards. Councillor Matt Lowe, Cabinet Member for Planning, confirmed that the council had already expressed concerns about the removal of call-in powers in previous consultations and supported the motion. Councillor Ben Chapelard, Leader of the Council, also spoke in support, linking the issue to infrastructure concerns. Several other councillors spoke in favour, emphasizing the democratic principle of representing residents' interests and the importance of transparency. The motion, which resolved to formally oppose any government proposals to remove or significantly restrict planning call-in powers, requested the Chief Executive to write to the Secretary of State, and urged the government to retain these powers, was carried.

Other Business

The council also approved the appointment of Parish Councillor Paul Currie to the Audit and Governance Committee for a four-year term. The council noted the use of emergency procedures and authorised the common seal of the council to be affixed to various documents. The date of the next meeting was confirmed as Wednesday, 20 May 2026.