The Planning Committee of Tunbridge Wells Council met on Wednesday 11 March 2026 to discuss several planning applications. Key decisions included the approval of outline planning permission for up to 99 dwellings at Hubbles Farm, Pembury, and the approval of a full planning application for 87 dwellings on land north of the A21, also in Pembury. The committee also granted outline permission for 20 dwellings at Benhall Mill Depot, Royal Tunbridge Wells, and approved the change of use of Longford House to a healthcare establishment. An adjoining authority consultation regarding land at Pinewood Farm, Royal Tunbridge Wells, resulted in an objection from the council.

Hubbles Farm, Hastings Road, Pembury

Outline planning permission was granted for up to 99 dwellings at Hubbles Farm, Hastings Road, Pembury. The decision was made subject to a Section 106 legal agreement and planning conditions. The development will include 40% affordable housing, provision for cemetery expansion, and significant financial contributions towards local infrastructure, including highways, education, healthcare, and sports facilities, totalling over £1.2 million. Concerns raised by objectors included traffic congestion, strain on local services, and the impact on the High Weald National Landscape. Supporters highlighted the need for housing, particularly affordable homes, and the benefits of infrastructure improvements.

Land North of the A21, South & West of Hastings Road, Pembury

A full planning application for 87 dwellings on land north of the A21, south and west of Hastings Road, Pembury, was approved. This decision was also subject to a Section 106 legal agreement and planning conditions. The development will provide 40% affordable housing, public open space, and contributions towards local infrastructure, amounting to over £1.1 million. Objectors reiterated concerns about inadequate infrastructure, particularly water supply and wastewater capacity, traffic congestion, and the cumulative impact of development. Supporters emphasised the scheme's policy compliance, design quality, and the delivery of much-needed homes and infrastructure improvements.

Benhall Mill Depot, Benhall Mill Road, Royal Tunbridge Wells

Outline planning permission was granted for the construction of 20 dwellings at Benhall Mill Depot, Benhall Mill Road, Royal Tunbridge Wells. The decision was made subject to a Section 106 legal agreement and planning conditions. The development will include 30% affordable housing and contributions towards local infrastructure, totalling over £130,000. Concerns were raised by objectors regarding the site's location within a former burial ground, potential disturbance of human remains, loss of amenity, and inadequate infrastructure. The council's officers noted that while the site was historically part of a cemetery, exhumations had taken place, and legal requirements outside of planning legislation would need to be met for any development to proceed.

Land At Pinewood Farm, Frant Road, Royal Tunbridge Wells

The council resolved to object to the proposed development at Pinewood Farm, Frant Road, Royal Tunbridge Wells, which is an adjoining authority consultation with Wealden District Council. The objection is conditional on the lack of satisfactory discussions and negotiations regarding infrastructure contributions. Tunbridge Wells Borough Council highlighted concerns about the predominant impact on its own infrastructure and services, including highways, arts and culture, and open space provision. The council requested that Wealden District Council ensure that necessary contributions are secured, and that KCC Highways' concerns are fully addressed.

Hermes House, 155 to 157 St John's Road, Royal Tunbridge Wells

Planning permission was granted for the demolition of existing buildings at Hermes House, 155-157 St John's Road, Royal Tunbridge Wells, and the construction of a residential-based physical rehabilitation facility. The decision was subject to planning conditions. The proposal was seen as an improvement on the previously approved residential scheme, offering significant public benefits including job creation and a much-needed healthcare facility. Concerns raised by objectors included parking, the loss of the original building, and the impact on the conservation area. The council's conservation officer noted that while the mansard roof extension would cause less than substantial harm to the conservation area, this harm was outweighed by the public benefits of the scheme.

Longford House, 19 Mount Ephraim Road, Royal Tunbridge Wells

Planning permission was granted for a change of use from offices to a healthcare establishment (Use Class C2) with ancillary offices, including the construction of a mansard roof extension, courtyard infill, and other works at Longford House, 19 Mount Ephraim Road, Royal Tunbridge Wells. The decision was subject to planning conditions. The proposal was considered to be a sustainable development that would retain an employment use in a key employment area. While the mansard roof extension was acknowledged to cause less than substantial harm to the conservation area, this was outweighed by the public benefits of regenerating a vacant building and providing employment.

Foundation, Dowding, Frant and Royal Victoria Houses, 31a, 31b & 51 The Pantiles, The Corn Exchange (nos 1-17 ground floor only) & Sussex Mews, The Pantiles, Royal Tunbridge Wells

Planning permission was granted for a change of use from offices, retail, and food and drink to Use Class E (commercial, business and service) and Use Class F1A (education) at Foundation, Dowding, Frant and Royal Victoria Houses, 31a, 31b & 51 The Pantiles, The Corn Exchange (nos 1-17 ground floor only) & Sussex Mews, The Pantiles, Royal Tunbridge Wells. The decision was subject to planning conditions. No external changes were proposed, and the application was seen as retaining and enhancing existing commercial uses, providing greater flexibility for potential operators and benefiting the vitality of the town centre.