The Planning Committee of Tunbridge Wells Council is scheduled to convene on Wednesday 16 September 2026. The meeting's agenda includes the consideration of several planning applications, the noting of appeal decisions, and procedural matters.

Applications for Consideration

The committee is scheduled to review four applications for planning permission.

Spratsbrook Farm, Eridge Road, Royal Tunbridge Wells

A significant proposal for the development of 125 dwellings at Spratsbrook Farm is scheduled for discussion. The plans include cycle and car parking areas, an access point from Eridge Road, landscaping, public open space, and surface water drainage features. The recommendation is to grant planning permission, subject to a Section 106 legal agreement and conditions. This agreement would secure various financial contributions towards secondary education, special educational needs and disabilities provision, adult education, integrated children's services, libraries, adult care, waste capacity, NHS healthcare facilities, youth facilities at Hawkenbury Hub, the A264 Pembury Road corridor, travel monitoring, and the TWBC Commons Conservators. Conditions would cover aspects such as time limits, approved plans, materials, construction management, contaminated land remediation, noise mitigation, external lighting, sustainable surface water drainage, phased occupation, water saving measures, parking retention, turning facilities, visibility splays, travel plans, site levels, off-site highway works, self-build plot passport details, tree protection, boundary treatments, archaeology, landscaping, biodiversity enhancements, window specifications, sustainable design, and refuse and cycle storage.

Former Hendy Ford, 3 Mount Ephraim, Royal Tunbridge Wells

The committee is to consider a proposal for the demolition of existing buildings at the former Hendy Ford site and redevelopment to provide 104 dwellings. This would include vehicular access from Culverden Street, car parking, landscaping, public open space, and associated works. The recommendation is to grant planning permission, subject to a Section 106 legal agreement and conditions. The legal agreement would secure contributions towards healthcare facilities, secondary education, special educational needs and disabilities provision, community learning and skills, integrated children's services, libraries, adult social care, waste management, the Pembury Road corridor, local cycling and walking infrastructure, Commons Conservators projects, and youth and adult recreation facilities. The agreement would also address affordable housing provision, with a commitment to 30% affordable housing, including a cascade mechanism to ensure delivery even if Registered Provider interest is limited. Conditions would cover aspects such as time limits, approved plans, design details, removal of permitted development rights, public realm works, landscaping, water consumption, surface water drainage, archaeology, renewable energy, parking, lighting, construction practice, land contamination, broadband, refuse and cycle storage, biodiversity enhancements, noise mitigation, secured by design principles, visibility splays, travel plans, and phasing of development.

Land to front of 9-10 Calverley Terrace, Crescent Road, Royal Tunbridge Wells

A proposal for a self-build new dwelling, boundary wall, and associated landscaping on land to the front of 9-10 Calverley Terrace is scheduled for discussion. The recommendation is to refuse planning permission. The reasons for refusal centre on the potential harm to the significance of the conservation area and listed buildings, which is not considered to be outweighed by the public benefits of the proposal. Additionally, it has not been sufficiently evidenced that adequate living conditions for the occupants would be achieved due to potential noise disturbance.

69-71 Culverden Down, Royal Tunbridge Wells

The committee will consider a variation of conditions for an approved scheme at 69-71 Culverden Down. The proposed amendments include changes to the layout, balcony arrangements, fenestration, roof form, parking area, and gardens. Details relating to materials, a construction management plan, and tree protection are also to be submitted. The recommendation is to grant planning permission, subject to conditions. These conditions would cover aspects such as time limits, approved plans, finished floor levels and building heights, restriction of additional window openings, details of privacy screens, landscaping, parking retention, internal noise levels, refuse and cycle storage, external lighting, bat surveys, construction management, tree protection, biodiversity enhancements, renewable energy and water conservation, sustainable drainage, and residents' store details.

Appeal Decisions for Noting

The committee is also scheduled to note appeal decisions made between 8 August 2026 and 4 September 2026. These include two dismissed appeals for a single-storey side extension at 2 Ashfield Cottages, Horns Hill, Hawkhurst, and a part-allowed/part-dismissed appeal for the retrospective replacement of first-floor windows at Flat 3, 49 Madeira Park.

Procedural Matters

The meeting will commence with the Chair's introduction, followed by apologies for absence, declarations of interest, and declarations of lobbying. The committee will also note any persons registered to speak and any site inspections undertaken. The minutes of the previous meeting held on 19 August 2026 are to be approved. Finally, the date of the next meeting will be confirmed.