The Cabinet of Tunbridge Wells Council met on Thursday 22 October 2026. Key decisions included the endorsement of the Palm Court scheme as the first phase of the Royal Victoria Place (RVP) development, with an additional capital budget of £23.5 million approved for its delivery, subject to Full Council approval. The Cabinet also approved the Draft Statement of Community Involvement (dated October 2026) for engagement purposes relating to planning matters. The Head of Planning, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Planning, was authorised to make non-material changes before its online publication. The decision was made to ensure effective community involvement throughout the planning process.

Planning Services Statement of Community Involvement - Update

The Cabinet approved the Draft Statement of Community Involvement (dated October 2026) for engagement purposes relating to planning matters. The Head of Planning, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Planning, was authorised to make non-material changes before its online publication. The decision was made to ensure effective community involvement throughout the planning process.

Royal Victoria Place Development - Palm Court

Full Council was recommended to endorse the Palm Court scheme as the first phase of the Royal Victoria Place (RVP) development. The scheme, designed to RIBA Stage 3, was recommended for approval for funding and delivery, with confirmation that it could proceed independently of the Ely Court scheme if necessary. The council's objective to deliver both Palm Court and Ely Court as a full scheme, where viable, was also recommended for endorsement.

Key financial decisions recommended to Full Council included the approval of an additional gross capital budget of £23.5 million for the Palm Court scheme, bringing the total to £26.8 million. Authority was delegated to the s151 Officer, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Finance and Property, to determine funding sources, including internal and external borrowing. The creation of an RVP Development Reserve was also approved, with management delegated to the s151 Officer. A budget of £400,000 was approved to commence Stage 1 of the Design and Build contract for the full scheme.

Full Council was recommended to approve the procurement of a two-stage Design and Build contract, delegating necessary steps to the Head of Economic Development and Property and the s151 Officer. The inclusion of the Ely Court scheme within the Stage 1 procurement process was approved to preserve the council's position, with its delivery contingent on future Full Council endorsement. Delegated authority was granted to various officers and Cabinet Members to manage planning applications, surveys, property matters, legal transactions, and design development, provided these remain within budget and do not significantly alter the business case. The Head of Legal Services was given delegated authority to complete all necessary legal formalities. The cross-party Investment Advisory Panel (IAP) will continue to be engaged, and the RVP development will be subject to good governance. Finally, Full Council noted that consultancy fees are spent at risk, acknowledged the economic benefits of the Palm Court scheme, the decision not to list 3-7 Camden Road, the Equality Impact Assessment, and the project risks. The reason for the decision was to support the Council's Strategic Plan objective of revitalising RVP to create a better destination for shopping and leisure, thereby supporting the Vibrant Economy strategic objective.

RVP Investment Transactions July to September 2026

The Cabinet noted the report detailing property transactions at Royal Victoria Place Shopping Centre completed under delegated authority between July and September 2026. This was in accordance with the Council's Constitution.

New Lease in Royal Victoria Place, Royal Tunbridge Wells

The Cabinet resolved to approve the entering into of a new Agreement for Lease and lease, along with associated documentation, based on key terms set out in an exempt report. Final terms are to be agreed under delegated authority. The Head of Legal Services was authorised to complete all necessary legal formalities. The decision was made to enable the delivery of the business plan, which involves entering into new leases and developing commercial opportunities within the centre.

Appointment of Term Contractors for Building Maintenance

The Cabinet resolved to approve the appointment of contractors for minor maintenance and responsive repairs, as recommended in an exempt appendix. Delegated authority was given to the Head of Economic Development and Property and the Director of Finance, Growth and Delivery, in consultation with the Monitoring Officer and the Portfolio Holder for Finance and Property, to complete negotiations and enter into contracts for Lot 1 (Fabric), Lot 2 (Electrical), Lot 5 (Fire & Security), and Lot 6 (Asbestos). The Cabinet also resolved to note the failure to initially appoint contractors for Lot 3 (Mechanical) and Lot 4 (Lifts). Delegated authority was granted to the Head of Economic Development and Property and the Director of Finance, Growth and Delivery, in consultation with the Monitoring Officer and the Portfolio Holder for Finance and Property, to extend existing contracts for these lots for up to 12 months and to return to the market for procurement of specialist contractors. The reason for the decision was to ensure the appointment of contractors for new property maintenance and repair contracts commencing on 1 January 2027, when existing contracts expire.

65-67 St John's Road - Agreement of a Lease

The Cabinet resolved to approve the grant of the lease referred to in the report and appendices for the council-owned retail unit at 65-67 St John's Road. Delegated authority was given to the Head of Economic Development and Property, in consultation with the Director of Finance, Policy and Development and the Cabinet Member for Finance and Property, to negotiate and agree the lease terms, and to the Head of Legal Services to complete all necessary legal formalities. The decision was made because the unit has been vacant since May and marketing for a new 10-year lease attracted three expressions of interest, with the strongest proposal recommended for approval.

Budget Update Report 2027-28

The Cabinet resolved that officers continue to work towards plans to reduce the projected budget deficit and report back in December with draft proposals prior to public consultation. The reason for the decision was to enable Directors and Heads of Service to continue service planning and develop proposals for savings, service delivery changes, and income optimisation.

The meeting concluded with the noting of urgent business and the date of the next meeting, scheduled for Thursday 3 December 2026.