The Planning Committee of Tunbridge Wells Council met on Wednesday 16 September 2026. The committee granted planning permission for a major housing development at Spratsbrook Farm, a residential redevelopment at the former Hendy Ford site, and approved amendments to a previously approved apartment building on Culverden Down.

Spratsbrook Farm Development Approved

The committee granted planning permission for a significant development at Spratsbrook Farm on Eridge Road, which will see 125 new homes built. The decision was made subject to a Section 106 legal agreement and a series of conditions. The development includes 40% affordable housing, with 60% of these being social rent and 40% shared ownership. Substantial financial contributions will also be made towards secondary education expansion, special educational needs and disabilities places, adult education centres, integrated children's services, libraries, adult care accommodation, waste capacity, NHS healthcare provision, and youth facilities at Hawkenbury Hub. Additionally, contributions will be made towards the A264 Pembury Road corridor and TWBC Commons Conservators.

Concerns were raised by objectors regarding highway safety, particularly the access from Eridge Road, and the impact on the High Weald National Landscape. Speakers also highlighted issues with water supply and the strain on local infrastructure. However, KCC Highways raised no objection to the proposal, stating that the development would not have a severe impact on the transport network or highway safety. The applicants have agreed to contribute towards upgrading cycle routes to the town centre.

Despite some reservations about the design being uninspired, the committee ultimately voted to approve the development, acknowledging the urgent need for housing and the significant contributions towards infrastructure and affordable housing. Informatives were added to the decision notice requesting further consideration of a more robust crossing on the A26 and urging the developer to inhibit motorcycle access to open spaces.

Former Hendy Ford Site Redevelopment Approved

Permission was granted for the residential redevelopment of the former Hendy Ford site at 3 Mount Ephraim, which will provide 104 new homes. The development includes 31% affordable housing, with a commitment to a 60% social rent and 40% intermediate tenure mix, subject to a cascade mechanism if Registered Provider interest is not forthcoming. The scheme also includes significant financial contributions towards local infrastructure, including healthcare, education, libraries, waste management, highway improvements, and youth and children's recreation facilities.

Objectors raised concerns about noise from the adjacent public house, The George, and its brewery, as well as parking provision and the impact on residential amenity. Supporters highlighted the high-quality design, the creation of public realm, and the efficient use of a vacant brownfield site. The committee acknowledged the parking concerns but noted that KCC Highways, as the statutory consultee, had not raised objections on highway safety grounds. The decision to approve was unanimous, with an informative added to urge the developer to explicitly state that properties are car-free.

Culverden Down Apartment Building Amendments Approved

The committee approved amendments to a previously granted planning permission for an apartment building at 69-71 Culverden Down. The amendments include a slight increase in the height of the central section of the building by 50cm, a reduction in the height of the side wings by 1m, and minor alterations to the roof form, fenestration, and balcony arrangements. The building has also been moved 50cm further to the rear of the plot to accommodate accessible gradients for parking.

Objectors expressed concerns about scope creep, the cumulative impact of the changes on residential amenity, particularly regarding overlooking and privacy, and the potential for the amendments to circumvent the original planning process. They argued that the changes, while seemingly minor, materially worsened the impact on neighbouring properties. Supporters highlighted that the changes were largely driven by updated building regulations and fire safety requirements, and that the overall massing and visual impact would not be significantly worse than the previously approved scheme.

The committee voted to approve the amendments, with four votes in favour and two against. Conditions were attached to ensure that side elevation windows would be obscurely glazed and non-opening below a certain level, and an informative was added to urge the developer to explicitly state that properties are car-free.

Other Matters

The committee noted the appeal decisions for two applications: appeals were dismissed for a single-storey side extension at 2 Ashfield Cottages, Hawkhurst, and appeals were part-allowed/part-dismissed for the retrospective replacement of two first-floor windows at Flat 3, 49 Madeira Park, Tunbridge Wells.

An application for a new dwelling at Land to front of 9-10 Calverley Terrace, Crescent Road, Royal Tunbridge Wells, was withdrawn from the agenda.

The meeting concluded at 9.00 pm, with the next meeting scheduled for Wednesday 30 September 2026.