The Planning Committee of Tunbridge Wells Council met on Wednesday 16 September 2026, approving a major housing development at Spratsbrook Farm and a residential redevelopment at the former Hendy Ford site. The committee also considered amendments to a previously approved apartment development at 69-71 Culverden Down, ultimately granting permission for the changes.

Spratsbrook Farm Development Approved

The committee granted planning permission for a significant development of 125 dwellings at Spratsbrook Farm, Eridge Road, Royal Tunbridge Wells. The scheme includes 40% affordable housing, with 60% social rent and 40% shared ownership. Contributions will be made towards secondary education, special educational needs and disabilities places, adult education, integrated children's services, libraries, adult care, waste capacity, NHS healthcare, Hawkenbury Hub youth facilities, the A264 Pembury Road corridor, and TWBC Commons Conservators. The development will also include upgrades to cycle routes and a mechanism for self-build plots.

Concerns were raised by objectors regarding water supply, highway safety on the A26, and the impact on the High Weald National Landscape. KCC Highways, however, raised no objection on highway safety grounds. The committee noted the concerns regarding road safety and agreed to include an informative requesting further consideration of a more robust crossing arrangement on the A26. An additional informative will also be added to discourage motorcycle access to the open spaces.

Former Hendy Ford Site Redevelopment Approved

Permission was granted for the residential redevelopment of the former Hendy Ford site at 3 Mount Ephraim, Royal Tunbridge Wells. The proposal includes 104 new homes, comprising 94 apartments and 10 townhouses, with 31% affordable housing. Contributions will be made towards NHS services, secondary education, SEND places, community learning and skills, integrated children's services, libraries, adult social care, waste management, the Pembury Road corridor, local walking and cycling infrastructure, Commons Conservators, and youth and adult recreation facilities. Two car club spaces will also be secured.

Objectors raised concerns about noise from the adjacent George public house and brewery, parking provision, and the impact on residential amenity. Supporters highlighted the high-quality design, the redevelopment of a brownfield site, and the contribution to housing needs. The committee noted the parking concerns but acknowledged the site's sustainable location and the weight given to KCC Highways' lack of objection. An informative will be added urging the developer to explicitly state that properties do not come with parking.

Amendments to Culverden Down Development Approved

The committee approved variations to a previously granted planning permission for an apartment development at 69-71 Culverden Down, Royal Tunbridge Wells. The amendments include a slight increase in the height of the central section of the building by 0.5 metres, a reduction in the height of the side wings by 1 metre, and the building being moved 0.5 metres further to the rear. Changes to the rear fenestration, including the introduction of Juliette balconies, and additional obscured glazed windows to the side elevations were also approved.

Objectors expressed concerns about the increased height, potential loss of privacy, and the cumulative impact of the changes. The applicant stated that the amendments were largely driven by changes in building regulations and fire safety. The committee noted that the changes were considered minor and did not result in a significant increase in harm compared to the previously approved scheme. Conditions were added to ensure side elevation windows are obscurely glazed and non-opening below a certain level.

Appeal Decisions Noted

The committee noted the appeal decisions for two applications: an appeal dismissed for a single-storey side extension at 2 Ashfield Cottages, Horns Hill, Hawkhurst, and an appeal part allowed/part dismissed for the retrospective replacement of two first-floor windows at Flat 3, 49 Madeira Park, Tunbridge Wells.

Other Business

There was no urgent business to discuss. The date of the next meeting was confirmed as Wednesday 30 September 2026.