The Communities, Housing and Environment Cabinet Advisory Board met on Tuesday 6 October 2026. The Board considered an update to the Council's Statement of Community Involvement and the Royal Victoria Place Development - Palm Court project.

Planning Services Statement of Community Involvement Update

The Board considered an update to the Council's Statement of Community Involvement (SCI), which outlines how the Council will engage with residents and organisations on planning matters. Councillor Matt Lowe, Cabinet Member for Planning, introduced the item, explaining that the SCI needed updating to reflect recent changes in national planning policy, including the new National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and updated plan-making regulations. Gwenda Bradley, Principal Planning Officer, provided further detail, highlighting that the SCI would now be accompanied by a separate engagement strategy for local plan reviews.

Key points raised during the discussion included:

• Supplementary Plans: Councillor Darrah questioned why engagement events for supplementary plans were not optional, as stated in the draft SCI. Officers explained this was in line with the latest regulations but agreed to review the wording to allow for more flexibility.
• Neighbourhood Plans: Councillor Darrah also raised concerns about whether neighbourhood plans were being adequately considered in planning decisions, despite carrying full weight. Officers confirmed that policies in neighbourhood plans, alongside the Tunbridge Wells Local Plan and the Kent Minerals and Waste Local Plan, are always considered when making decisions on planning applications.

The Board resolved to support recommendation 2 to Cabinet as written and recommendation 1 subject to an amendment to ensure that supplementary plans are optional for public consultation.

Royal Victoria Place Development - Palm Court

Councillor Justine Rutland, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Economic Development, introduced the significant item regarding the Royal Victoria Place (RVP) Development - Palm Court. David Candlin, Head of Economic Development and Property, and Andrew Goodwin from Rivington Hark, presented the report, which detailed the proposed development of the Palm Court area within the RVP shopping centre.

The report outlined the progress of the RVP development, which aims to revitalise the town centre by incorporating new leisure uses, modern retail spaces, and improving energy efficiency and accessibility. The Palm Court scheme is considered a crucial phase in this regeneration, building on previous improvements to the RVP car park and the securing of new tenants.

Key aspects of the discussion included:

• Financials and Borrowing: Concerns were raised about the Public Works Loan Board (PWLB) rate and the accuracy of the financial figures presented, given potential fluctuations in borrowing costs. Officers clarified that the figures were based on the rate at the time of writing and that sensitivity analyses were included in the report. They also explained that the loan would likely be drawn down incrementally, rather than as a single lump sum, providing flexibility. The borrowing was not expected to impact Council Tax.
• Leisure Space and Occupiers: Questions were asked about the projected net operating income and how much of it related to the leisure development. Officers explained that the market value for commercial leisure space was estimated at £12.50-£13.00 per square foot, contributing approximately £200,000 per annum. While no specific leisure occupier had been identified yet, market engagement indicated strong demand, and the space was designed to be flexible. The strategy was to market the space in early 2027, allowing a two-year lead-in period before project completion.
• Project Timeline and Phasing: A debate ensued regarding the decision to proceed with Palm Court independently of the Ely Court development. Councillor Darrah argued for deferring the decision to merge the two schemes, citing uncertainties around car parking income, borrowing costs, and the lack of identified leisure operators. Rivington Hark clarified that deferring the project would lead to cost inflation and delays, and that Palm Court could stand alone and address necessary works such as roof replacement. They also highlighted that leisure operators typically require a two-year lead-in period and certainty about the project.
• Economic and Social Benefits: The report detailed significant projected economic benefits, including increased business rates growth and additional parking income, contributing to a positive net financial position for the Council. Wider social value benefits were also calculated.
• Risks and Contingencies: The report acknowledged risks such as global uncertainty, inflation, and the need to secure tenants. A contingency allowance of approximately 19% of the total project cost was included to mitigate these risks.

Following extensive discussion, the Board resolved to support the recommendations as set out in the report, with Councillor Osborne noting his abstention. The recommendations will proceed to Cabinet and then Full Council for final approval.

The meeting concluded with no urgent business and the date of the next meeting scheduled for Tuesday, 10 November 2026.