Decision details

Following receipt of the Masterplan Framework report from the external consultants, architects and commercial property specialist and completion of the Masterplan Framework public engagement survey, the report presented a Delivery Strategy for consideration.

Members welcomed the generally positive feedback received as part of the public engagement survey which had finished on 31 August 2025. It was also noted that Tonbridge Historical Society and Tonbridge Civic Society were generally supportive of the Masterplan Framework.

The Delivery Strategy expanded on the information contained within the East of the High Street Masterplan Framework, provided more detail on the proposed delivery options and timescales and, taking into account the results of the public engagement survey, proposed a preferred phasing of delivery within the context of Local Government Reorganisation timescales.  An addendum (attached at Annex 3) provided additional information in respect of car parking provision and usage. 

Due regard was given to the financial and value for money considerations and Cabinet recognised concerns expressed in respect of loss of parking provision and the importance of accessible parking. 

On the grounds of retaining flexibility and opportunity to ensure sufficient parking capacity and GP services,  it was proposed that the Delivery Strategy (attached at Annex 4) be amended as set out below:

(i)                        Paragraph 6.1.5: change ‘all bays retained for the medium term’ to read ‘all bays retained and decking be added for the medium term, should usage determine that more bays are required’;

(ii)                       Paragraph 6.1.6:  add ‘with the potential for capacity to be added by decking Angel West car park’;

(iii)                     Paragraph 6.3.2: remove the final sentence ‘the GP Surgery should only be progressed if the new facility provides additionality in services and capacity for the benefit of the town’ as this was difficult for the Borough Council to quantify and provide;

(iv)                     Paragraph 6.7.1: add ‘including decking options’; and

(v)                       Paragraph 6.9: Angel West – remove ‘planned in the short/medium term’ and add ‘and consider decking options’ under additional comments.

These amendments were supported unanimously.

On the grounds that the proposals invested in local economic growth and provided an opportunity for the Borough Council to use its land and assets better in Tonbridge Town Centre, Cllr Boughton proposed, Cllr Mehmet seconded and Cabinet

RESOLVED:  That

(1)             the feedback received in response to the Masterplan Framework public engagement survey (Annex 1) be noted;

(2)             the final Masterplan Framework (Annex 2) and the Masterplan Framework Addendum 1 (Annex 3) be adopted; and

(3)             subject to the amendments set out in (i) – (v) above, the Masterplan Framework Delivery Strategy (Annex 4) be approved and reviewed annually.