Decision Maker: Cabinet
Decision status: Recommendations Approved
Is Key decision?: No
Is subject to call in?: Yes
Consideration was given to the Masterplan Framework and Viability reports that were the culmination of the East of High Street (EOHS) Masterplan exercise that had been carried out by consultants Mace, Architects Periscope and Commercial Property Specialist Vail Williams since December 2024. The consultants had presented a high-level illustrative masterplan and spatial development proposals including viability and delivery analysis, to address housing and employment growth needs.
It was proposed that a public engagement exercise be undertaken on the Masterplan Framework, informed by feedback from the Programme Board. The consultation would run digitally for six weeks from mid-July, supplemented by information at key town centre locations and via social media to ensure broad community access. Over the summer, further work would develop delivery routes and detail for Member consideration, including funding and procurement options. The viability report highlighted current market challenges but noted that conditions might change. Not undertaking public engagement or further delivery analysis over the summer were outlined as alternative options, but both were considered less effective for stakeholder involvement and strategic planning.
Due regard was given to the financial and value for money considerations, the assessment of risks detailed in the report.
To ensure that the work was shared with local stakeholders to allow them to understand the process and the potentially deliverable options, as well as being able to comment on these proposals and raise issues and questions, Cllr Keers proposed, seconded by Boughton and Cabinet
RESOLVED: That
(1) the site development and delivery options in the Tonbridge Town Centre East of High Street Masterplan Framework Report at Annex 1, be noted and Members be invited to comment on these ahead of a more detailed report in October 2025;
(2) the Tonbridge Town Centre East of High Street Masterplan Viability Report at Annex 2 (Part 2 – Private) and the Masterplan Viability Report Appendix 2 Market Insight & Benchmarking at Annex 3 (Part 2 – Private) be noted; and
(3) the recommendation of the Tonbridge Town Centre Programme Board in the meeting on 23 May 2025 at Annex 4 (Part 2 – Private) that a public engagement exercise be undertaken on the Masterplan Framework document, based on the views expressed by the Programme Board, be supported.
Publication date: 04/07/2025
Date of decision: 30/06/2025
Decided at meeting: 30/06/2025 - Cabinet
Effective from: 12/07/2025
Accompanying Documents: