The Planning Committee of Tunbridge Wells Council met on Wednesday 21 October 2026. The committee discussed several planning applications, including an outline application for development on the Gas Holder Site in Royal Tunbridge Wells, a variation to a Section 106 agreement for the former Benenden Hospital site, and the addition of a new classroom building for the Two Bridges Alternative Pupil Provision. The committee also noted appeal decisions and received a report on planning enforcement activity.

Gas Holder Site, Sandhurst Road, Royal Tunbridge Wells

The committee considered an outline application for up to 90 dwellings on the former Gas Holder Site on Sandhurst Road. The proposal was significantly lower than the 170-200 dwellings allocated in the Local Plan (Policy AL/RTW7) and included no on-site affordable housing provision. Officers explained that the reduction in units and lack of affordable housing were due to significant site constraints, including increased flood risk zones and high remediation costs for contamination and topography.

The applicant's viability assessment, independently reviewed by Dixon Searle Partnership, indicated that even a 90-unit development would have limited profit margins, making policy-compliant affordable housing unviable. The applicant proposed a financial contribution of £225,000 towards affordable housing off-site, in lieu of on-site provision.

During the discussion, Councillor Hugo Pound raised concerns about the lack of affordable housing, stating that the proposed contribution was insufficient and that the development did not align with the council's aspirations for balanced communities. Councillor Ellen Neville seconded Councillor Pound's proposal to defer the item for further negotiation with the developer. The committee voted unanimously to defer the item.

Benenden Hospital, Goddards Green Road, Benenden

The committee considered a deed of variation to a Section 106 agreement for the former Benenden Hospital site. The variation sought to reduce the affordable housing provision from 30% (26 dwellings) to 25% (22 dwellings) and to convert four affordable dwellings to market dwellings. The applicant stated that this change was necessary because they had been unable to secure a registered provider willing to take on the original affordable housing package due to viability issues.

The proposed tenure mix would be 14 social rent units and 8 shared ownership units. TWBC Housing and Benenden Parish Council supported the variation, noting that while a reduction in affordable housing was regrettable, the proposed 25% provision was a pragmatic response to market conditions and still represented a meaningful contribution. Councillor Lynne Darrah supported the officer's recommendation, highlighting the importance of listening to parish councils. Councillor Don Kent also supported the proposal, noting the low level of affordable housing in Benenden. The committee unanimously approved the deed of variation.

Two Bridges Alternative Pupil Provision, YMCA, St Johns Road, Royal Tunbridge Wells

The committee considered an application for a new single-storey classroom building at the Two Bridges Alternative Pupil Provision, located on St John's Road. The building would provide an additional classroom and three offices. The application was brought before the committee because part of the land falls within Tunbridge Wells Borough Council ownership.

Councillor Christopher Digby spoke in favour of the proposal, noting that it would improve safeguarding arrangements for vulnerable pupils and had unanimous support with no objections. Councillor Gavin Barrass seconded the proposal. The committee unanimously approved the application.

Appeal Decisions for Noting

The committee noted the appeal decisions for two applications:

• Removal of porch and construction of two single-storey rear extensions with raised patio area at 1 The Down Cottages, Lamberhurst Down, Lamberhurst: Appeals dismissed on 21 September 2026.
• Felling of a Lime tree (T1) at Bentham Hill Stables, Stockland Green Road, Speldhurst: Appeals dismissed on 24 September 2026.

Planning Enforcement Activity

The committee received a report summarising planning enforcement activity between 1 April 2026 and 30 September 2026. The report detailed the number of new enforcement cases, their geographical spread, and the priority categories assigned to them. It noted an increase in complex cases, leading to a slower closure rate compared to the previous year. The report also highlighted the team's work in securing and extending injunction orders, issuing enforcement notices, and undertaking direct action at the former Water Margin site in Southborough. The committee noted the report.