The Planning Committee of Tunbridge Wells Council met on Wednesday 19 August 2026, deferring a decision on a significant industrial development at Hawkhurst Station Business Park. The committee also approved applications for a replacement crematorium waiting pavilion and toilet block at Tunbridge Wells Borough Cemetery, a single-storey front extension and garage at 23 Hilbert Road, and a lawful development certificate for a dropped kerb at 2A Sherwood Road.

Hawkhurst Station Business Park Development Deferred

A decision on the proposed erection of a B2 general industrial building at Hawkhurst Station Business Park, Gills Green, Hawkhurst, was deferred to allow for further discussions with the applicant regarding the size and scale of the proposed development. The application had attracted significant public interest, with seven speakers registered to address the committee, raising concerns about landscape impact, highway safety, noise, air quality, and drainage.

Objectors, including Brigitte Santer, Alison Bogie, Iain Dodson, and Sarah Cahill, voiced strong opposition, highlighting the development's potential harm to the High Weald National Landscape (HWNL), the rural character of Gills Green, and the existing infrastructure. Concerns were raised about the scale of the building, its visibility from sensitive landscape areas, and the potential for increased traffic and noise pollution.

Supporters, including Mike Holmes and Julian Black from KLW Ltd, and applicant Nick Dunlop from Kent Woodware Company Ltd, emphasised the economic benefits of the proposal, including the creation of approximately 60 new jobs and the expansion of an existing local business, Rhokett. They argued that the design had been significantly amended to mitigate landscape and visual impacts and that the development was in line with the site's allocation for employment use in the local plan.

During the debate, councillors expressed a range of views. Councillor Don Dawlings highlighted concerns about the building's scale and visibility within the HWNL, while Councillor Hugo Pound questioned the local business and community need being met by the development and the transport implications. Councillor Christopher Digby raised significant concerns about the drainage strategy, describing it as a drainage illusion and questioning its enforceability.

Ultimately, Councillor Pound proposed a deferral for further discussions on the building's size and scale, which was seconded by Councillor Johnson. The motion to defer was carried by six votes to two.

Crematorium Waiting Pavilion Approved

The committee unanimously approved the application for the replacement crematorium waiting pavilion and toilet block at Tunbridge Wells Borough Cemetery, Benhall Mill Road, Royal Tunbridge Wells. The proposal, presented by Ethan Tang, Planning Officer, involved replacing an existing dated structure with a slightly larger, modern building. Councillors expressed satisfaction that the development would not harm the character and appearance of the locality or the significance of the adjacent Grade II listed Mortuary Chapel. The application was proposed by Councillor Tom Dawlings and seconded by Councillor Gavin Barrass.

23 Hilbert Road Development Approved

An application for a single-storey front extension and the erection of a garage at 23 Hilbert Road, Royal Tunbridge Wells, was unanimously approved. Ethan Murphy, Planning Officer, presented the application, noting that while some aspects of the proposal, such as alterations to the parking area and access, were permitted development, the application was brought to committee due to the inclusion of council-owned pavement within the site. Councillors raised no objections, and the application was proposed by Councillor Gavin Barrass and seconded by Councillor Christopher Digby.

Lawful Development Certificate for Dropped Kerb Granted

A Lawful Development Certificate for a proposed dropped kerb at 2A Sherwood Road, Royal Tunbridge Wells, was unanimously granted. Ethan Murphy, Planning Officer, explained that the proposal met the criteria for permitted development under the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015. The committee noted that a separate application would be required to Kent County Council for the construction of the crossover across the pavement. The application was proposed by Councillor Christopher Digby and seconded by Councillor Kimberley Johnson.

Appeal Decisions Noted

The committee noted the appeal decisions for the period 15 July to 7 August 2026, which included an appeal allowed for the construction of extensions at Larchmere House, Biddenden Road, Frittenden.

The meeting concluded at 8:45 pm. The next meeting was scheduled for Wednesday, 16 September 2026, with an additional meeting on Wednesday, 30 September 2026, due to a large agenda.